Ping Pong Episode 39 Recap
> Ping Pong Recap
Ma Chuan shared gossip with Song Min, revealing that Ye Zhenxin was moving to the Second team as a coach, a fact he confirmed by seeing the contract in the office. Ma Chuan confidently bet that Yu Kenan would be the next captain, but Song Min disagreed, believing it could be Xu Tan, who was an Asian Games champion, ranked world number one, and whose Grand Slam achievements were imminent.
However, Song Min admitted he hoped Yu Kenan would become captain so he wouldn't have to be his training partner anymore, expressing exhaustion from the role. Later, Xu Tan invited Song Min to practice, noting that while Song Min's backhand was strong like Yu Kenan's, his forehand needed improvement if he wished to surpass Yu Kenan. Inspired, Song Min offered to be Xu Tan's training partner.
During a coaching staff meeting, Fu Chuanzhi asked for opinions on the captain for the First team. Teng Biao nominated Yu Kenan, highlighting his Grand Slam achievements, world-class skills, extensive experience in international competitions, particularly being the most feared opponent by Japan and Korea, and his status as an idol for the Second team. While acknowledging a recent scandal, Teng Biao stated that Yu Kenan had reflected on the matter and matured significantly.
Fang Yue, however, recommended Xu Tan, pointing to his strong sense of responsibility, particularly evident when he overcame pressure at the Incheon Asian Games to secure a victory for China against the Korean team. Fang Yue believed Xu Tan’s strong sense of responsibility made him a more suitable captain. Another coach questioned Xu Tan's suitability, noting he hadn't yet won a world championship.
Fu Chuanzhi then emphasized that a captain represents the spirit of the team, and while strength is important, he prioritized strong psychological qualities. He ultimately decided that Xu Tan was the more fitting candidate and appointed him as the new captain of the First team, a decision that visibly surprised Xu Tan. Xu Tan celebrated his new appointment with Liu Shi.
During their conversation, Liu Shi reflected on his experiences returning from a disaster area, where he witnessed the fragility of life and realized that simply being alive was a blessing. He shared that since meeting Yuan Ran, he now thinks of her before taking any risks, vowing not to let her down as she has entrusted herself to him.
Had it been before meeting Yuan Ran, he would have played the Suzhou WTTC qualifiers even if it meant getting permanently injured. This prompted Xu Tan to reflect on his own relationship, realizing he had never truly considered Wang Siheng's feelings. He concluded that he might be a good player but was definitely not a good boyfriend. Xu Tan then prepared a special birthday surprise for Wang Siheng.
However, her reaction was not as he expected; after making a wish, Wang Siheng proposed they break up. A shocked Xu Tan noticed her injured leg, and she confessed that she fell in the rain and lied about being on a business trip to avoid affecting his game.
Wang Siheng explained that she was just an ordinary girl whose life had revolved around Xu Tan, even considering being his assistant, but after her injury and feeling helpless seeing a leaking water pipe at home, she could no longer continue. As Xu Tan grew busier, she felt uncertain about her place in his heart.
She expressed a desire to find her own dream, stating that leaving him was her first step, and wished him everything he desired, asking for his blessing in return. In 2015, the Suzhou World Table Tennis Championships (WTTC) Qualification Tournament began. On the first day, Leng Yi ranked first, Yu Kenan second, Su Shun third, Xu Tan fourth, and Liu Shi fifth. Yu Kenan was dealing with a shoulder injury that continued to affect his play.
Xu Tan felt a weakness in his leg due to a knee injury and ultimately lost to Su Shun, placing him in fourth. Liu Shi's lumbar injury had relapsed, and this time, it was more severe. Yuan Ran, upon seeing Liu Shi's injury, warned him that continuing to play without regard for his health could lead to unimaginable, severe consequences, potentially affecting him for the rest of his life.
She urged him to request leave from Qin Zhen and withdraw from the next day's match, leading to an argument. Liu Shi hesitated, weighing his own desire against Yuan Ran’s concerns. Later, Liu Shi confided in Xu Tan, revealing that he had submitted his Application Form for Leaving the Beijing Ping-Pong Training Team.
He explained that he fully understood his deteriorating physical condition and the increasing rarity of choppers in the sport, lamenting that he no longer even qualified as a training partner for top players. He felt it was time to leave, partly to care for Yuan Ran and not become a burden for her, and shared that Yuan Ran had cried and argued with him over his decision.
He declared he would not play in tomorrow's match and encouraged Xu Tan to perform well in the WTTC, promising to cheer for him in Suzhou. Xu Tan asked if Liu Shi was truly willing to give up, but Liu Shi offered no direct answer. Liu Shi then found himself outside the clinic, where he overheard Yuan Ran talking to Ms. Liu, a medical staff member.
Yuan Ran admitted she knew Liu Shi was unwilling to retire and that seeing his red eyes and his upset made her even sadder. She understood that if it weren’t for her, Liu Shi would have played despite his lumbar injury.
She worried that he would regret not joining the tournament for the rest of his life but affirmed her unconditional support for any decision he made, vowing to stay with him forever, even if he were to collapse on the court. Overhearing these heartfelt words, Liu Shi was moved to tears.
Determined to play and leave no regrets, Liu Shi returned to the training court and confessed to Qin Zhen that he had spent the night thinking and truly wanted to play this last match, calling it his final battlefield.
Initially, Qin Zhen scolded Liu Shi, reminding him that the national team was not a place one could come and go as they pleased and reiterated the severity of his injury, suggesting he wouldn't be able to play even if he qualified. However, Qin Zhen's resolve softened, and he pleaded with Fu Chuanzhi to give Liu Shi a chance.
Qin Zhen revealed his own lifelong regret of being replaced in a crucial game due to injury and expressed his profound desire to prevent his disciple from suffering the same fate, a plea he never made for himself. Moved by Qin Zhen's plea, Fu Chuanzhi granted Liu Shi the opportunity to play. Qin Zhen immediately called Ms. Liu to inform Yuan Ran that Liu Shi would be joining the game. Liu Shi was pitted against Song Min.
Song Min saw this match as a vital opportunity to break free from being a training partner and was fiercely determined to win. Liu Shi, however, reflected on his journey, recalling that being a training partner was once his means of survival, supporting himself and his grandmother.
His professional career began as a training partner, and it was through this role, diligently studying countless match videos, that he developed his chop tactics and earned a place in the National Second team, eventually finding his master. Liu Shi, a rare chop player, held steadfast to his belief in the sport and refused to easily surrender this singular chance to participate in the WTTC. During the match, another player commented that when Liu Shi first joined the national team, he defeated most opponents with his chop techniques, even Fu Jingchun.
