Table tennis: Swinging the racket billions of times, achieving a grand slam

Chapter 493 Men's Doubles Quarterfinals: A Battle to Prove It!
"You've had a hard day."

After the match, Chen Jin returned to the sidelines.

Looking at Chen Jin's somewhat tired face, Wang Hao couldn't help but feel a little sorry for him and reached out to pat Chen Jin's shoulder.

Having one person handle three tasks is a major test for the core players.

After all, in the Olympics, it is common for the true core players to compete in three events.

The greater the ability, the greater the responsibility.

Moreover, the table tennis event at the Los Angeles Olympics underwent some changes.

It's even possible for one person to handle four tasks simultaneously.

Although it will be three years before Luo Ao arrives.

Based on the current situation, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Chen Jin may have to take on the main responsibility for Luo Ao.

Before that, Chen Jin's ability to handle multiple projects must be tested.

Therefore, after comprehensive consideration, the coaching team decided to have Chen Jin compete in three events at this US Grand Slam.

However, Wang Hao never expected that Chen Jin's schedule would be so messed up.

Seeing Chen Jin covered in sweat, Wang Hao felt guilty.

It is indeed a bit cruel to put such a heavy burden on a sixteen-year-old boy.

Back in the day, when Fan Zhendong was this age, he still had older brothers like Ma Long, Zhang Jike, Xu Xin, and Fang Bo supporting him.

But now, Chen Jin is all alone.

Long Pang has retired and will not participate in the competition for the time being.

Veteran players Liang Jingkun and Lin Gaoyuan are in poor form.

Wang Chuqin was originally highly anticipated, but he fell far short of Ma Long and Zhang Jike.

Lin Shidong is very strong, but he still needs to hone his experience and mentality.

As for Xie Mingyang and Zhang Jiahao, they are both promising talents, but at this time they are not able to shoulder the main responsibility together.

The men's table tennis team was once incredibly talented and glorious.

And now, the hopes of the entire village rest on the shoulders of a sixteen-year-old boy.

"Ah~"

Wang Hao sighed inwardly.

I was just about to speak, to say something more.

But Chen Jin smiled calmly and said, "It's alright, it's not too tiring."

"No matter what, we have won all three battles today and successfully completed our mission."

Wang Hao patted Chen Jin's back gently a few more times, "When you get back, get some rest, relax, and don't think about anything."

"Ah."

Chen Jin nodded.

I packed my things and slung my backpack over my shoulder.

Together with Wang Hao, they walked along the player tunnel towards the off-field.

"Chen Jin, keep it up!"

Someone in the audience shouted.

Chen Jin looked in the direction of the sound, smiled, and waved.

In the middle of the line.

A voice suddenly rang out from the side of the passage: "Chen Jin".

"Chairman Wang?"

The person speaking was Wang Liqin, who had been overseeing the operation on-site.

At this moment, he stood on the sidelines, smiling as he looked at Chen Jin.

"Thanks for your hard work."

Wang Liqin reached out and touched Chen Jin's cheek. "You played beautifully in these three matches today."

"Especially in the last singles match, it was really not easy to win so cleanly and decisively when you were exhausted."

"Go back and have a good rest."

After giving some instructions.

Chen Jin and Wang Hao then left the arena.

After the interview, we went to the lounge.

Xie Mingyang and Zhang Jiahao had been waiting for a long time.

"Brother Jin, you must be exhausted."

Zhang Jiahao quickly stepped forward, took the backpack from Chen Jin's hand, and massaged Chen Jin's shoulders and back. "Take a shower, relax, and get some rest. When we get back to the hotel, we'll go out for a late-night snack and have a good meal."

Xie Mingyang looked at Chen Jin, and although he didn't speak, his brows furrowed slightly.

Even a blind man could see the weariness in Chen Jin's eyes.

On the field, they might be able to withstand the pressure through sheer willpower.

But after the game, my tense nerves suddenly relaxed, and I felt completely exhausted, as if I had been hollowed out.

"Row."

Chen Jin smiled.

I forced myself to stay awake and took a shower.

He changed into clean clothes but didn't go to the training hall.

Instead, he took a shuttle bus back to the hotel with Xie Mingyang and Zhang Jiahao.

After resting for a while in their room, the three went to a restaurant for a late-night snack.

"Chen Jin, how are you feeling?"

Xie Mingyang asked.

"I just took a nap in my room and I've recovered at least 70-80%."

Chen Jin smiled.

"The last 20-30% will be made up with late-night snacks."

Zhang Jiahao placed a fragrant fried chicken leg on Chen Jin's plate. "How about a super-duper giant burger that I made myself?"

Looking at the huge hamburger standing on Zhang Jiahao's plate, it seemed to be as tall as three or four stories.

Chen Jin quickly waved his hand: "No need."

"Brother Jin, since you're being so polite, then I'll have to enjoy it alone."

As he spoke, Zhang Jiahao opened his enormous maw and took a vicious bite.

crunch--

The giant hamburger suddenly had a small hole in it.

"Ouch!"

Zhang Jiahao suddenly cried out in pain.

At the same time, a look of pain appeared on his face.

"what happened?"

Chen Jin asked hurriedly.

I bit my tongue.

Zhang Jiahao cried out in pain, his eyes brimming with tears, "Ouch, it hurts so much!"

"..."

Chen Jin laughed and said, "It seems that it's because there's too little meat."

"Makes sense."

Zhang Jiahao agreed wholeheartedly and stood up abruptly, saying, "I'll go get a few more pieces of beef."

Having finished speaking.

Carrying my tray, I quickly walked towards the buffet area.

Watching Zhang Jiahao's retreating figure, Chen Jin smiled to himself and looked up at Xie Mingyang.

On Xie Mingyang's plate were only a few fries and ketchup.

"no appetite?"

Chen Jin smiled and asked, "Thinking about something?"

"Ah."

Xie Mingyang did not deny it.

"let me guess."

Chen Jin pretended to ponder, "It's probably related to tomorrow's match."

"Correct."

Xie Mingyang nodded, his expression solemn. "The Round of 16: Wang Chuqin."

As an opponent, one has to admit that Wang Chuqin's strength and fighting style have improved considerably compared to before.

Since losing to Hugo in the World Cup, Wang Chuqin has made technical adjustments.

Strengthen training in mid-to-close range table sway speed, maximizing strengths and minimizing weaknesses.

During the Doha World Table Tennis Championships, they fought their way to the finals.

Although he ultimately lost to Chen Jin, it was clear to anyone with a discerning eye that Wang Chuqin's playing style, setting aside his serve, was extremely threatening.

Looking at the world of table tennis, besides Chen Jin, who can confidently say that they can easily beat Wang Chuqin?
Xie Mingyang dared not slack off, as he was to face Wang Chuqin the next day.

He knew very well that if he really wanted to become a key player, he had to defeat these veterans one by one, seize their positions, and prove his strength.

Just like Chen Jin.

Otherwise, it will definitely become a topic of gossip later.

Therefore, we must go all out in tomorrow's battle.

"Isn't that a coincidence?"

Chen Jin laughed and said, "My match tomorrow is also against Wang Chuqin."

"However, yours is singles, and mine is doubles."

The match schedule for tomorrow has been released. Chen Jin will still have three matches in one day.

Men's Singles: Yuta Tanaka.

Men's Doubles: Wang Chuqin/Liang Jingkun.

Mixed Doubles: Lin Zhongxun/Shen Yubin.

All three matches were fierce battles.

Especially men's doubles.

Although it was an internal battle, Wang Chuqin and Liang Jingkun were both among the five tigers of the Paris cycle and had also partnered in doubles.

Their individual abilities and teamwork are not to be underestimated.

Fortunately, for Chen Jin, the timing of these three matches was reasonable.

Unlike today, the schedule is tight, with almost no opportunity for rest and adjustment.

"Three matches a day for two consecutive days."

Xie Mingyang looked at Chen Jin and said, "I'm afraid you can't handle it."

"If it were you, could you handle it?"

Chen Jin smiled.

Even if you can't bear it, you have to tough it out.

Xie Mingyang thought for a moment and said.

He was well aware that having one person handle three tasks was a "privilege" of a core member.

Ordinary athletes don't even have the qualifications to participate in multiple events.

In other words, the coaching staff now values ​​Chen Jin more than any other player.

"Yep."

Chen Jin smiled and said, "That's what I think too."

"Not only do I have to be able to withstand the pressure, but I also want to win every single game!"

As he said this, a sharp glint flashed deep in his eyes.

"We still need to take it easy."

Xie Mingyang glanced at him, a hint of worry in his eyes, "Don't overwork yourself. It would be a waste to lose more than you gain."

For athletes, the greatest enemy is not the opponent standing in front of them.

It's injuries.

Xie Mingyang was worried that if Chen Jin got injured while working so hard, wouldn't that benefit someone else?

"Don't worry, I have my own sense of discretion."

Chen Jin smiled, "Besides, I was already mentally prepared."

"Once you step onto the field, there's never any talk of 'enjoying the game'."

"All victories in the world, though seemingly glorious on the surface, have in fact come at a price."

Hear the words.

Xie Mingyang felt a chill run down his spine, as if he could empathize with the situation.

I won't say more.

Just then, Zhang Jiahao returned with a tray, beaming with joy.

The huge hamburger had several layers of beef sandwiched inside.

It looks increasingly towering.

"So big?"

Chen Jin was taken aback, and said with a wry smile, "Can you even eat that?"

"Sprinkle some water."

Zhang Jiahao licked his lips and swallowed. "I'll treat it like Wang Chuqin and Liang Jingkun, chewing it up slowly, bite by bite, and swallowing it down."

As he spoke, he took a big, defiant bite.

My mouth was stuffed full, and the sauce splattered everywhere.

Seeing Zhang Jiahao finish the hamburger in no time, Chen Jin and Xie Mingyang exchanged a glance.

"Wow, Hao-ge is amazing."

Chen Jin gave a thumbs up.

"Water, water..."

Zhang Jiahao stared wide-eyed, seemingly choked.

Seeing this, Xie Mingyang quickly handed over a glass of milk that hadn't been drunk.

"Gulu, Gulu..."

Zhang Jiahao gulped down a whole glass of milk in one go.

Then, he let out a burp.

"Ah~"

Zhang Jiahao rubbed his stomach, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "Awesome!"

"Brother Jin, did you see that?"

Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Jiahao beamed and let out a big burp, "Tomorrow we'll face Wang Chuqin and Liang Jingkun, and we'll definitely crush them."

"Just like this hamburger."

"No matter how big it is, I can still eat it."

After a satisfying meal, ambitions soared.

"I believe."

Chen Jin nodded. "However, you'd better have another one."

"Another one?"

Zhang Jiahao was taken aback. "Why?"

Being able to eat this super-sized giant burger was already the limit of his appetite.

Moreover, he also drank a large glass of milk.

I was so full I could barely eat anymore.

Little did they know what Chen Jin meant by those words.

"Don't forget it."

Chen Jin handed the chicken leg back to Zhang Jiahao, saying, "In tomorrow's match, besides the doubles, you also have a singles match."

"My opponent is Lin Yun-ru."

This statement came out.

Zhang Jiahao suddenly realized: "Damn, I almost forgot about that."

"It's all over, it's all over..."

"But I really can't take it anymore!"

Forget about another super-sized burger, he couldn't even fit the chicken leg in front of him.

……

The next day.

Training in the morning.

As the competition enters its second half, there are more and more clashes between top teams.

Media coverage and online discussions have also surged.

At 1 p.m., the men's doubles quarterfinal match between Chen Jin/Zhang Jiahao and Wang Chuqin/Liang Jingkun, which was about to begin, became one of the most anticipated matches.

The match has not yet started.

Discussions about this match have already exploded across various platforms.

"Holy crap, the men's doubles are going to be an all-Chinese affair so soon? Chen Jin/Zhang Jiahao, Wang Chuqin/Liang Jingkun, this is like Mars colliding with Earth."

"Just a casual observer, but honestly, at the Doha World Table Tennis Championships, if Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao hadn't been lucky—their opponents withdrew due to injury in the semifinals—would they have made it to the finals? They might have fallen in the semifinals. Winning the Doha men's doubles title was pure luck. This time, Da Tou and Da Pang will definitely expose their true colors."

"In men's table tennis these days, when it comes to doubles, you still have to look to our Wang Chuqin. Today is the perfect day to let Wang Chuqin teach Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao what true top-level doubles is all about."

"The Doha men's doubles spots were unfair to begin with. If JLZ hadn't been biased and insisted on sending Chen Taisun instead of letting Wang Chuqin participate in the Doha men's doubles, would they have won the men's doubles championship? It's laughable."

“Our eldest son has won so many doubles championships that he doesn’t care about a mere Doha men’s doubles title, but we must fight back to prove him wrong.”

"Yes, today is Wang Chuqin's battle to prove himself!"

"Big Head, Big Fatty, go for it! Beat Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao, and show them what real doubles is all about!"

……

Since Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao teamed up to win the men's doubles title at the Doha World Table Tennis Championships, they have received much praise but also faced a lot of criticism.

Firstly, Zhang Jiahao's singles results are not particularly outstanding.

It's no wonder that he was able to secure such a valuable spot in the World Table Tennis Championships men's doubles, which has drawn criticism.

Some people even dug up Zhang Jiahao's identity as a member of the Shanghai team.

Therefore, they pointed the finger directly at Wang Liqin.

Secondly, advancing to the finals certainly involved an element of luck, making people think that the victory was not honorable.

Various factors have drawn criticism.

TZM, in particular, made sarcastic remarks and directly stripped Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao of their championship gold medals.

Zhang Jiahao had seen many criticisms online, but he was frustrated that he couldn't follow the internet to expose and punish these scumbags. He was seething with anger.

Now, he is finally going to face Wang Chuqin head-on.

This doubles match was a battle to prove themselves.

"If I can't deal with you TZMs, surely I can deal with your real boss?"

"We must win this match!"

During a training break, Zhang Jiahao glanced at Wang Chuqin and Liang Jingkun at the next table, took a deep breath, and secretly vowed, "I will prove to the world that Jin Ge and I are the true world's number one men's doubles team!"

"The Doha men's doubles gold medal, Jin and I, is well-deserved!"

"And we must shut up all those who question me and Brother Jin!"

(End of this chapter)