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

Chapter 317 Mid-court backhand, a head-on clash with Fan Zhendong's powerful forehand attack!

Fan Zhendong's pupils suddenly contracted.

Seeing Chen Jin's posture of lowering his shoulders and raising his elbows, it was clear that the opponent was going to twist his arm in a reverse twist.

Unexpectedly, Chen Jin's twist was a masterpiece in terms of spin, power, speed, arc, landing point, and even the timing of the shot.

In a trance.

I thought it was that man, carrying a penhold grip, returning to the competition.

——The most ferocious tiger of the empire!
Before Fan Zhendong could react, he instinctively swung his racket.

However, the ball's spin, speed, and trajectory completely exceeded his expectations.

"Break!"

It was like a white lightning bolt flashing by.

The ping-pong ball flew straight away from his hand.

"My God, it's a Tyrant's Twist!"

The commentator's voice cracked with excitement, "Like divine soldiers descending from the heavens, who doesn't know the Overlord's Necklace?"

"Chen Jin actually used the long-lost Overlord Twist against Fan Zhendong!"

"You know, besides that man, the only person who can truly use the Overlord Twist is Fan Zhendong."

"But now there's another Chen Jin!"

"It's hard to imagine that a 15 or 16-year-old player would dare to use the 'Overlord Flick' technique on a crucial point against a Grand Slam champion like Fan Zhendong. What confidence and courage that takes!"

As a high-level technique in the backhand system, looking at the world table tennis scene today, apart from the African number one Aruna, who doesn't know how to do a backhand flick?

However, not all backhand topspins can be called "overpowering topspins".

It is not true that twisting out a C-shaped arc constitutes a "dominant twist".

But on the court, in crucial moments, they still have the confidence and courage to win with this skill!
The "Overlord Twist" technique is not only a skill, but also a display of courage.

Despite leading 4-10, they were caught up by Fan Zhendong and faced unprecedented pressure.

If it were Lin Gaoyuan, or another player with slightly weaker mental fortitude, they might have become even more cautious and conservative when handling this serve.

However, Chen Jin knew very well that he was facing Fan Zhendong, a world-class player, in this match. If he played conservatively, it would be a sign of weakness, and if he lost his momentum, he would not be far from losing the match.

So despite the immense pressure, he still chose to act decisively.

As a result, they won in one strike.

"Choo-hoo!"

Chen Jin clenched his fist and roared.

The voice, as powerful as a dragon or an elephant, echoed across the stadium.

He rarely shouts during singles matches.

But this time, it was beyond my control.

He then put down his racket, picked up a towel, and walked towards the sidelines.

Second game, 11:9.

The score is 2-0.

In a best-of-five series, he only needs to win one more game to help the S province team tie the score.

"Overlord Twist?"

Fan Zhendong stood there, stunned for a moment, then looked up at Chen Jin, who was clenching his fist and roaring, and a slight smile appeared on his lips. "Good shot."

The "Overlord Twist" technique demands extremely high levels of power from the waist and wrists.

He has rarely used it on the field since his back injury worsened.

Moreover, with the advent of 40+ plastic balls, spin and speed have decreased, making it almost impossible to execute a terrifyingly powerful topspin in a match.

Most incredibly, Chen Jin is a penhold grip player.

In today's table tennis world, the shakehand grip is a major obstacle.

Fan Zhendong hasn't seen a penhold player produce such an exaggerated arc and speed in many years.

The last person who could twist and create this kind of rotation and arc was Bai Gao.

Despite trailing 0-2 in the score, Fan Zhendong remained unmoved and composed.

He breathed on it and wiped the racket.

He then gently put it down, took the towel, and returned to the sidelines.

"I was in much better form this game, played well, and almost managed to turn the tide."

Zhang Yang, the off-court coach for the Shanghai team, handed a bottle of water to Fan Zhendong.

"Ah."

Fan Zhendong took a sip and said, "Chen Jin is indeed very strong. Whether it's his control at the table, his close-to-the-table fast attack, his mid-to-long-range counter-attack, or his forehand and backhand transitions, his power and speed are unlike those of a penhold player."

"I've only ever seen one penhold player like him in my entire career."

Although it was not explicitly stated who it was, everyone knew perfectly well.

"It's ok."

Zhang Yang said in a deep voice, "Play at your own pace, enjoy the game, and don't have any pressure."

Enjoy the game?

Fan Zhendong chuckled to himself.

Competitive sports are brutal; there's no enjoyment in them.

If you want to enjoy yourself, why not go to the park and play ball with those elderly folks?
As a professional player, once you step onto the field, you must strive for the final victory.

The whole "enjoy the game," "finish the game healthily," and "happy table tennis" thing is utter nonsense.

We must not have the mentality of "if we lose, we lose".

Fan Zhendong wiped the sweat from his brow, and out of the corner of his eye, he couldn't help but glance at the next room.

"Well played."

Chen Longcan smiled broadly and patted Chen Jin on the shoulder, "However, although we are leading, don't be careless. Fan Zhendong will definitely not surrender easily."

"In the third game, he will definitely go all out."

"To hold on is to win."

Chen Jin stood with one hand on his hip and the other gripping a water bottle tightly. His eyes gleamed, and he curled his lips into a smile: "I'm just waiting for him to go all out."

soon.

The break is over.

The referee signaled the end of the match.

Chen Jin stretched his wrists, returned to the court, and took the ping-pong ball from the referee.

"Ta-ta-ta, ta-ta-ta."

Chen Jin grasped the white ball and turned his head to look.

Fan Zhendong stood on the left side of the table tennis table, his legs slightly bent, his back bent, revealing a pair of sharp eyes, like an eagle eyeing a wolf.

See this.

Chen Jin felt a chill run down his spine.

He knew that the next game might be the most difficult one he had ever played.

"Whoo~"

Take a deep breath.

Chen Jin showed no fear whatsoever; on the contrary, his heart pounded, his blood boiled, and his fighting spirit burned even brighter.

Hook serve.

Right half of the platform.

Do not forward.

Fan Zhendong leaped forward, lowered his shoulders and raised his elbows, twisting and pulling the diagonal line.

In this game, he clearly changed his playing strategy.

Get started quickly and take the initiative.

Chen Jinfei lunged forward, counter-attacking the middle with a forehand.

Fan Zhendong slid to the side, and with his stance blocked, he twisted his waist and smoothly pulled straight ahead.

"Great back!"

Chen Jin flicked his wrist and used the momentum to quickly tear the object apart.

"Snapped!"

The ping-pong ball hurtled towards Fan Zhendong's backhand baseline like a tiger descending a mountain.

As if he had expected it, Fan Zhendong took a backhand position, squatted down, and tightened his waist and abdomen.

To meet the incoming ball, jump up, rotate laterally, and press down with the racket vertically.

"Snapped!"

The sound is like thunder.

Penetrating the base plate.

The ping-pong ball, carrying an unparalleled force, streaked through the air like a meteor or fireball, and slammed into the far corner of Chen Jin's left side of the table.

Chen Jin tried his best to save the ball, but he was still a step too late.

0: 1.

"Choo-hoo!"

Fan Zhendong clenched his fist and roared.

The momentum is like a rainbow.

The familiar violent panda reappeared before everyone's eyes.

"What a powerful backhand!"

Chen Jin was secretly amazed.

Looking up at Fan Zhendong, a hint of excitement appeared in his eyes.

"Has it finally gotten back to normal?"

Chen Jin clenched his right fist, his eyes flashing with a sharp glint. "This is the Fan Zhendong I want to defeat!"

Second serve.

Or a hook shot.

But he deliberately made a deceptive feint, making people think it was a backspin.

In reality, it doesn't turn around.

Fan Zhendong, caught off guard, acted rashly and recklessly.

opportunity!

In his dark pupils, killing intent suddenly surged. Chen Jin gathered all his strength and unleashed it in a single, powerful swing.

"Snapped!"

The ball hurtled out like a cannonball.

Its power and speed were so great that just when everyone thought it would be over in one fell swoop...

Unexpectedly, Fan Zhendong reacted with remarkable speed and a sudden burst of inspiration, glancing back and quickly executing a diagonal shot. Fortunately, Chen Jin's reaction and execution were also quite fast.

He shrank back and reached out to block.

He barely managed to return the ball.

However, the quality of the return shot was not ideal.

Chen Jin pushed off with his feet, leaped backward, and quickly retreated from the stage, ready for battle.

As expected, a loud "snap" was heard, like a thunderclap, as Fan Zhendong charged forward with a powerful shot.

Chen Jin made a difficult defensive effort and launched a high ball.

Calmly watching the ball fall, Fan Zhendong unhurriedly leaped up and slammed it down with power.

"Snapped!"

Suppress Chen Jin's left half of the table.

Given the power of Fan Zhendong's high-flying shot, it's clear that continuing would be a slow death.

Rather than passively taking a beating, it's better to take the initiative.

Without hesitation, Chen Jin stood at mid-to-long range and accurately calculated the landing point and trajectory of the incoming ball.

He leaped into the air and swung his arm backhand with explosive force.

Like a roc spreading its wings, or like a crow flying in an airplane.

"Snapped!"

He actually countered Fan Zhendong's powerful forehand smash with a backhand long-range shot.

"Fuck!"

The commentators and the audience were all shocked, exclaiming, "How can this still be a penhold backhand?"

"A penhold backhand, mid-to-long range, and he actually countered Fan Zhendong's forehand smash?"

Even Fan Zhendong didn't expect that Chen Jin would pull him back under these circumstances.

He quickly turned to the side and unleashed a powerful forehand smash.

Chen Jin stood at mid-to-long distance from the table, facing the Grand Slam champion's powerful forehand smash without flinching.

Squat down, firmly plant your weight in a horse stance, tighten your waist and abdomen, and secretly gather your strength.

With the forearm resting under the hips and the wrist naturally tucked inwards.

Facing the initial descent of the incoming ball.

A powerful backhand flick.

"Break!"

The ping-pong ball traced a strange, low arc in the air.

The intensity of the rotation is unimaginable.

The moment it landed on the table, it veered sharply to Fan Zhendong's right.

"nice shot!"

Even Fan Zhendong couldn't help but marvel.

Although he hadn't anticipated the ball's sidespin to be so strong, he twisted his waist and still managed to pull the ball back steadily.

However, the quality is slightly lower.

This gave Chen Jin a chance to catch his breath.

Chen Jin leaped forward and returned to the center of the table, unleashing a powerful backhand crosscourt smash.

Fan Zhendong unleashes a powerful forehand smash.

"Snapped!"

"Snapped!"

"Snapped!"

……

One horizontal line and one vertical line, one upright and one reversed, like cannonballs, fiercely bombarding each other, locked in a stalemate.

This scene stunned everyone.

"Chen Jin's mid-court backhand actually went head-to-head with Fan Zhendong's powerful forehand smash?"

"My God, that's too strong!"

"Is this still a penhold backhand? That's insane!"

……

Not only the people present.

Fan Zhendong also found it somewhat unbelievable: "Such a powerful backhand!"

He could even clearly feel that Chen Jin's backhand force showed no signs of weakening.

The power is increasing, the speed is increasing, and the rotation is becoming stronger.

"Is this kid... really only fifteen or sixteen years old?"

Fan Zhendong's pupils contracted.

Perhaps, Ovtcharov felt the same way when he was sixteen.

My mind hasn't changed.

Fan Zhendong suddenly twisted his wrist and quickly hit a straight shot with his forehand.

"I go!"

Chen Jin was taken aback.

Unexpectedly, despite such a strong confrontation, Fan Zhendong still dared to risk changing to a straight line.

Surprised.

He hurriedly lunged towards his forehand.

Unfortunately, it's too late.

2: 0.

"Choo-hoo!"

Fan Zhendong blurted out.

Although he lost the point, Chen Jin showed no sign of discouragement: "An unreasonable straight shot... Is this the power of a Super Grand Slam winner?"

Switch sides and serve.

Fan Zhendong served a reverse spin serve to Chen Jin's forehand small triangle.

Chen Jin quickly stepped forward and flicked the ball down the middle with a backhand twist.

Fanzhen Dong posted a protective board.

Chen Jin quickly tore the diagonal line.

Fan Zhendong used the momentum to counterattack with a straight shot.

3: 0.

Undoubtedly, as the match progressed, under Chen Jin's pressure, Fan Zhendong gradually regained his form and touch as a Super Grand Slam winner.

He can execute backhand straight-line techniques with ease.

"We can't let him get a firm footing when he's firing, otherwise the quality will be too high and it will be difficult to handle."

Chen Jin took a deep breath. "Let's control the pace of the game a little and not let him lead us."

"To defend the mid-to-close range, either the first three shots or speed is crucial."

Next game.

Chen Jin constantly changed his tactics and playing style.

From short balls near the table to close-to-the-table fast attacks, and from close-to-the-table fast attacks to mid-court exchanges, he fought fiercely with Fan Zhendong.

The score went back and forth.

1: 3.

2: 3.

4: 2.

5: 2.

3:5
……

However, Chen Jin remained at a disadvantage throughout.

The final score was 9-11.

Chen Jin lost the third game.

The score is 1-2.

"happy!"

A smile involuntarily appeared on Fan Zhendong's lips.

He won the third game, but it wasn't an easy victory.

There was even a lucky shot assist.

It has to be said that this young man, who uses a penhold grip with a backhand topspin, has such powerful mid-to-long-range forehand and backhand attacks.

Moreover, it boasts internal control, seamless integration, and comprehensive development.

He is even better than Wang Hao back then.

Not to mention later penhold grip players like Xu Xin, Xue Fei, and Xu Haidong.

the most important is.

When they were behind, Chen Jin's relentless drive to catch up and his strong mentality moved even Fan Zhendong.

"The Chinese national table tennis team finally has successors."

Fan Zhendong was quite pleased.

Over the years, he has suffered from numerous injuries, especially a severe back injury.

But for the glory of the Chinese national table tennis team, they still gritted their teeth and persevered.

His performance was inconsistent throughout the Paris Olympics cycle.

Especially in the Saudi Grand Slam tournament just before the Paris Olympics, they were eliminated in the round of 16.

He, too, was doubting whether he could shoulder the burden of the Paris Olympics.

In addition, Wang Chuqin lost his half of the draw in the singles event at the Paris Olympics, falling in the round of 32.

The burden on his shoulders was a thousand times heavier.

The match against Tomokazu Harimoto left him almost completely exhausted, both physically and mentally.

It was only through sheer willpower, his defense of the glory of Chinese table tennis, and his desire for a Grand Slam that he gritted his teeth and finally won the long-awaited Olympic singles gold medal, becoming the third player in table tennis history to achieve a Super Grand Slam.

The moment he wrote "last dance" on his scarf, he was prepared to go all in.

Now, for various reasons, he keeps withdrawing from competitions.

However, his love for table tennis and his loyalty to the glory of the Chinese national table tennis team have always remained as strong as a soldier's.

"Even if I can't return to the competition in the future, with Chen Jin around, I believe he can continue to defend the glory of Chinese table tennis!"

(End of this chapter)