The intern taught a top-performing class, and the parents wanted to change the homeroom teacher.

Friday,

The third day of the city's badminton competition, singles events.

Some strong schools and some weak schools will fill up their quotas or have missing entries, so the total number of participants is 280.

Each athlete may register for a maximum of two individual events.

Feng Zhiqiang chose men's singles and men's doubles.

The men's singles and men's doubles matches alternate. To prevent match conflicts, the chief referee will arrange the schedule in advance to ensure that there is at least one rest period.

With his outstanding performance over the past two days, Feng Zhiqiang has become a formidable opponent for all the contestants.

"It's the last day of the competition. Stay calm. You are already the pride of Yucai!" Team leader Director Miao encouraged the team members.

Lu Qian patted Feng Zhiqiang on the shoulder, "Keep it up!"

Feng Zhiqiang nodded emphatically.

...

Coaches from various schools are also giving instructions to their respective team members.

Say things like "stay calm" and "play seriously".

Not far away, several coaches from the sports school had serious expressions and helpless looks in their eyes.

I got scolded by my boss when I got home last night.

The last champion was eliminated in the quarterfinals this time, failing to even secure third place.

They're a sports school!

Therefore, the pressure in today's individual competitions is exceptionally high.

However, none of the coaches told the players about these things.

Saying it won't help; it will only affect your mindset.

You can't expect your skills to improve by leaps and bounds overnight.

You might as well wish that your opponent's badminton racket breaks.

Now they are hoping that Feng Zhiqiang's stamina will not keep up, so that their chances of winning will be greater.

After all, individual events are more physically demanding.

...

At 8:30, the competition began, with all eight courts starting simultaneously.

The opponent I was matched with was a player from a regular high school.

Feng Zhiqiang won the game using the most cost-effective method.

Jump smashes look cool, but they're also the most physically demanding, so avoid using them if possible.

Points can be scored with both drop shots and lobs.

Play more square balls, let your opponent run, and stay in one place.

Avoid high lobs to prevent the opponent from having a chance to smash.

...

This is the most mentally demanding moment of the game.

The sports school coaches frowned as they watched, inwardly cursing.

What's the point of fighting?

Such a high level of skill, and such a steady game.

Be a little more arrogant!

You're young, this is a competition, play some cool shots! Attract attention!

His strength is like that of a young man, but his technique is as steady as a professional's.

Which coach can produce such a composed player?

Yucai Coaching Staff.

Lu Qian nodded to himself. Not bad, as steady as a rock.

I've grasped the essence.

Having good skills is important, but being able to persevere to the end is the most important thing.

Make good use of every spare moment to rest.

Wiping sweat, walking slowly, picking up the ball slowly...

Sometimes, it's these spare moments that help you win the championship.

Clearly define your goals; winning the championship is the most important thing.

Feng Zhiqiang did not disappoint him.

Even after winning the team championship yesterday, he remained calm and composed while playing today, not ignoring his words.

During breaks, sip water, move around quickly, and eat half a banana when appropriate.

After confirming that Feng Zhiqiang was alright, Lu Qian turned his attention to the other contestants.

Gathering information and analyzing opponents—that's what he can do for Feng Zhiqiang.

...

Time seemed to fast forward.

The badminton shuttlecock flew back and forth in mid-air, and the players changed wave after wave.

During their breaks, coaches from various schools repeatedly gave instructions to the players who were about to play and comforted the players who were eliminated.

Three hours later.

The men's singles and men's doubles teams have advanced to the round of 16.

There's a one-hour lunch break, and the competition starts in the afternoon.

As usual, Director Miao went to pick up the pre-ordered boxed meals, and everyone gathered together to eat and discuss tactics.

Up to now.

Yu Cai's men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, and women's doubles all advanced to the round of 16. The mixed doubles team won one match but lost, and was unfortunately eliminated.

After the meal.

Everyone rested and prepared for the afternoon's match.

An hour later, the Round of 16 began.

The level of the contestants in the top 16 is significantly higher.

To Feng Zhiqiang's slight disappointment, he was unable to continue his momentum from the morning, which had reduced his opponent's score to single digits.

Quarterfinals, semifinals...

Some advanced with excitement, while others were saddened to leave.

At the sports school, several coaches sighed with worried expressions.

Good news: Individual event rankings are higher than team rankings.

Bad news: We were eliminated in the semifinals.

This competition did not have a third- or fourth-place final, so their individual event was tied for third place with the Provincial Experimental School.

Third place is fine, it's better than no place at all.

Yucai Middle School and Jiangcheng No. 4 Middle School advanced to the finals.

Li Jiahao seemed a little excited, clenching his fists and muttering to himself.

"So we really are arch-enemies?!"

"From the group stage all the way to the individual finals!"

"Feng Zhiqiang, my opponent, let's settle this once and for all!"

The other contestants from the same school looked at each other in bewilderment.

People with strong abilities are always right.

Feng Zhiqiang was equally excited; it was the last match.

But it is precisely at times like these that we must remain calm!

Shortly after, the referee announced that the two players would enter the game.

The two shook hands face to face.

Li Jiahao couldn't hold back any longer, raising his chin and saying, "Strong, we really are arch-rivals. Want the championship? Then work hard to defeat me!"

Feng Zhiqiang took a deep breath, his shoulders relaxed slightly, and his eyes were firm.

"I will win!"

Li Jiahao breathed a sigh of relief; thankfully, he hadn't made any forceful statements!

Game start.

Li Jiahao focused intently on his final battle's tactics:

Abandon defense and go all out on offense!

Even if we lose, we're still runners-up, so let's fight hard!

...

"Cool!"

After missing the last ball, Li Jiahao actually breathed a sigh of relief and grinned.

"The competition is over. In the individual event, Feng Zhiqiang from Yucai High School wins!" the referee announced.

In an instant, Feng Zhiqiang's body completely relaxed.

He raised both hands above his head and looked at the people in the rest area.

"We won!"

"We won!"

In the Yucai rest area, all the team members rushed over, shouting excitedly.

First place in both the team and individual events of the city badminton tournament!

A few minutes later, the awards ceremony began.

The award presenters were leaders from the Sports Bureau.

Medals were awarded to the top three teams in the team competition, trophies were awarded to the schools, certificates of achievement were awarded to the fourth to eighth place teams, and coaches received certificates of outstanding guidance.

Coach Hong felt the certificate was too hot to handle, so he decisively pushed Lu Qian forward to receive the award.

He won this game without any effort, so he doesn't need the MVP award.

Lu Qian had no choice but to step forward and accept the certificate.

Individual competition awards are given directly to the individual athletes, with medals and certificates awarded to the top three finishers.

The first-place winner will receive a badminton racket worth 1,000 yuan, while the runner-up and third-place winners will each receive a professional badminton backpack.

"Congratulations, Feng Zhiqiang! You've won the men's singles, men's doubles, and team championships. Playing more than a dozen matches in one day is no easy feat."

The sports bureau leaders hung the medal around Feng Zhiqiang's neck and solemnly said, "You can apply for a second-level athlete certificate when you get back! It will help you with your future studies. I hope you will continue to work hard and stand on a bigger stage in the future."

He then continued to offer words of encouragement to the runner-up and third-place winners, and presented them with their medals.

The competition officially came to an end, and everyone took a group photo to commemorate the occasion.

.

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