Ping Pong Episode 24 Recap
> Ping Pong Recap
The pivotal match for Yu Kenan and Xu Tan against Ye Zhen Xin and Xia Ke was underway, a decisive moment for their careers. In the first game, Yu Kenan and Xu Tan displayed an unconventional tactic. Xu Tan would adopt an attacking posture, but Yu Kenan would be the true attacker, swinging the ball over Xu Tan's head. They communicated tactics with exaggerated, confusing gestures, then seemingly reversed roles, with Xu Tan becoming the actual attacker.
They then brazenly announced their strategy, using a "feint east, hit east" twice, before employing a "feint east, hit west" for their final successful shot, securing their first victory. Coach Fu, observing their resourcefulness, remarked that ping-pong isn't just about technical skill; it's also a psychological battle, finding their tactical progression "interesting."
During a short break, Xu Tan voiced his concern that their trick would likely be ineffective in the next game as their opponents would have already figured it out. Yu Kenan, however, encouraged him not to overthink and simply to do their best. As Xu Tan predicted, the second game resulted in a devastating loss for them. Ye Zhen Xin and Xia Ke had identified their weakness and relentlessly targeted Xu Tan with body-hits.
This strategy confined Xu Tan to defense, leaving Yu Kenan unable to mount an offense. Coach Fu watched with growing worry, noting that their long-standing offensive-defensive weakness remained unresolved, and the match was quickly drawing to a close. Before the final game, Yu Kenan and Xu Tan exchanged a determined glance, silently steeling themselves. The tension in the match escalated, with the score fiercely contested.
A significant change became apparent: Yu Kenan and Xu Tan had successfully implemented a fluid offensive-defensive transition, seamlessly switching roles. Suddenly, Xu Tan let out a triumphant shout after winning a point, startling everyone present. The scores continued to be neck and neck, but at match point, Yu Kenan and Xu Tan found themselves trailing by a single point. In a desperate attempt, both players dove to save the ball, falling to the ground.
As the ball returned, Yu Kenan grabbed Xu Tan’s hand, helping him to his feet for a counter-spin. Despite their valiant effort, the ball landed just off the table. They lost the match by two points, leaving them profoundly disappointed. Coach Fu, who had closely watched the entire match, confessed that the outcome and score were within his expectations. However, he emphasized that all the coaches and players present recognized Yu Kenan and Xu Tan’s spirit and talent.
Acknowledging their technical deficiencies, he instructed the National First team members, as their seniors, to guide them in their development. Teng Biao, noticing Yu Kenan and Xu Tan were still dazed, clarified Coach Fu’s message: they had been selected for the National First team. The realization sparked an excited embrace between the two. Elsewhere, Mr Zheng confronted Coach Fu Chuanzhi, expressing his deep frustration.
Fu Jingchun had been excluded from the World Ping-pong Tournament, and now again from the World Cup pre-selection list. Coach Fu admitted that Fu Jingchun’s capabilities were on par with other players on the list but explained that, having only recently joined the First team, he lacked the necessary age, experience, and exposure to major tournaments. The team had decided it was best for him to participate in more smaller competitions to gain experience.
Coach Fu also candidly stated that even if Fu Jingchun were selected, there was no guarantee of him winning a medal. Mr Zheng passionately countered, asserting that Fu Jingchun was qualified in every respect. He recounted how, since coaching Fu Jingchun in the Second team, he had recognized his champion’s demeanor, comparable to other top players, and had consistently designed plans to cultivate him into a world champion.
Mr Zheng urged for Fu Jingchun to get an early start, to compete more, and to achieve more while still young, believing these accomplishments were central to an athlete’s honor, especially given his concern that Fu Jingchun's potential injuries might prematurely end his career, preventing him from ever standing on the world stage again.
Coach Fu acknowledged Mr Zheng’s eagerness for Fu Jingchun to gain experience in major tournaments but insisted on a comprehensive evaluation, reiterating that Fu Jingchun's current achievements couldn't guarantee a medal even if he were selected. Mr Zheng, however, remained steadfast, highlighting Fu Jingchun’s intense training and consistent performance, convinced that with additional support, he would triumph. Coach Fu, having listened intently, eventually asked Mr Zheng to cease worrying and promised to reconsider.
Fu Jingchun, having overheard Mr Zheng's impassioned plea on his behalf, was profoundly moved. Mr Zheng, still visibly emotional, challenged Fu Jingchun, demanding to know his ambition. Fu Jingchun declared his desire to become a champion. Mr Zheng then set a more ambitious goal: to become an Olympics champion, asserting that only an Olympics champion would earn him global recognition and lasting memory. Fu Jingchun, now filled with renewed resolve, vowed to redouble his efforts to achieve this.
After the match, an elated Yu Kenan, now a member of the National First team, joyfully lifted and spun Zhang Caiwei around before they headed to a restaurant to celebrate. He presented her with a bouquet of eight roses, explaining that he had learned it symbolized an apology, and sincerely apologized for his harsh words from before. Zhang Caiwei, however, seemed preoccupied. She then revealed her decision to move abroad.
She explained that she could no longer return to her peak form of two or three years ago, and that the cycling out of older players for new ones was inevitable. Staying, she reasoned, would only lead to fewer opportunities in major tournaments, forcing her to passively watch others, including Yu Kenan, surpass her—a prospect she found unbearable. Yu Kenan, though initially distressed, ultimately understood her choice, recognizing that an athlete’s inherent drive is to always move forward.
They reaffirmed their commitment to each other, agreeing that when she achieved recognition abroad and he won a championship, she would retire, and he would marry her. Meanwhile, Lei Lei had not returned home since her college entrance exam, causing great concern for Lei Cheng and Xu Tan. Lei Cheng even went to the deserted exam hall in search of her, while Xu Tan called him to offer help.
When Lei Lei finally arrived home, she immediately secluded herself in her room, with Xu Tan waiting anxiously outside her door. Later, Lei Cheng spoke with her, deducing her intention to go abroad. The next day, Lei Lei met Xu Tan and, with some hesitation, informed him that she would be leaving abroad the day after tomorrow. She articulated her desire to explore the many opportunities the world offered, refusing to let her life be defined by a single exam.
She confessed that the period leading up to the exam had been excruciatingly difficult, and she envied Xu Tan's clear, self-determined path, inspiring her to find her own. On her departure day, Lei Lei provided Lei Cheng with detailed instructions regarding household matters, including utility cards and cooking rice, and gently reminded him not to consume excessive amounts of salty soybean paste noodles due to his high blood pressure.
To spare him an emotional farewell, she insisted Lei Cheng not accompany her to the airport. Before she left, he kissed her forehead, telling her to depart without any worries. Xu Tan, however, arrived at the airport to see Lei Lei off. He handed her a recorded cassette tape, explaining that he found it difficult to express his feelings face-to-face.
He apologized for his previous reaction a couple of days prior, clarifying that his response stemmed from his reluctance to see her leave. He acknowledged her lifelong role in motivating his progress and expressed his earnest hope that she would pursue all her aspirations. He concluded by promising to wait for her return before giving Lei Lei a heartfelt hug.
With only 371 days remaining until the Beijing Olympics, all coaches and team members stood solemnly before the rising national flag, knowing they faced even more rigorous training. Each individual harbored a dream of becoming an Olympics champion, ready to dedicate their youth and passion to achieving that ultimate goal.
It was explained that athletes typically gain entry into the National First team by placing among the top eight in major national tournaments or by performing well in promotion and relegation matches against lower-ranked First team members. Xu Tan and Yu Kenan, however, had secured their spots through direct selection by the coaches.
The National First team represents China in major international competitions, featuring a smaller roster and more frequent personnel changes compared to the Second team, which serves as a reserve. Entry into the First team was their crucial opportunity to compete on the world stage and embark on the path to championship glory.
