The Prince of Tennis Episode 16 Recap
> The Prince of Tennis Recap
Lu Xia has a brief encounter with a young player from City Third Middle School who admires him. The first doubles match begins with He Xinglong and Zhuo Zhi. He Xinglong struggles with nervousness, a stark contrast to Zhuo Zhi's composure. City Third Middle School eventually wins the match, leaving He Xinglong feeling deeply apologetic for their loss. Next, the "Golden Pair," Chi Dayong and Tang Jiale, step onto the court.
They are facing the very same opponents who defeated them last year, causing Chi Dayong to feel a surge of anxiety. Meanwhile, City Third's Coach Tian engages in a provoking conversation with Youth's Coach Qi, highlighting City Third's strong singles players, particularly Yaguxin, and asserting Youth's relative weakness in doubles. However, on the court, Chi Dayong manages to overcome his apprehension. The "Golden Pair" executes a decisive victory over City Third, silencing Coach Tian and proving Coach Qi's earlier confidence.
The third match is a singles showdown between Qiao Chen and Shen Qianhshi. Shen Qianhshi displays an arrogant demeanor, even deliberately letting Qiao Chen serve first to underscore his perceived dominance. Qiao Chen, who usually has a playful attitude, transforms into a fierce competitor once he steps onto the court. He starts with an aggressive vertical smash.
Shen Qianhshi, initially surprised, soon reveals his strategy: he uses Qiao Chen's strong attacks to set up his own powerful "Tiger Roar" shots, executed with impressive agility and high jumps. Despite losing the first game and a few early points, Qiao Chen eventually manages to decipher Shen Qianhshi's "Tiger Roar," effectively turning the tables and disrupting his opponent's rhythm.
Just as Qiao Chen pulls the score even at 3-3, he suffers a painful leg cramp, a result of his intense physical exertion. Though concerned, Qiao Chen reassures Coach Qi. During the court change, Qiao Chen's leg pain intensifies. Despite his injury and Shen Qianhshi showing no mercy, Qiao Chen recalls Mu Siyang's words about overcoming the psychological shadow of injuries.
With his left leg cramped, he pushes through, using his right leg to execute a demanding "center of gravity vertical jump" and powerfully return the ball. Qiao Chen's resolve only strengthens with each point. Pushing past his physical limits, he ultimately breaks through Shen Qianhshi's defense, securing a hard-fought victory. Exhausted, Qiao Chen collapses onto the court. Shen Qianhshi humorously tells him that he won, startling Qiao Chen into jumping up to check the scores, realizing it was a joke.
Before his highly anticipated match against Yaguxin, Lu Xia goes to buy a drink and unintentionally gets two. He encounters Qi Ying, who has just changed into her cheerleading uniform, and offers her one of the drinks. Qi Ying blushes as Lu Xia leaves, only to be comically mistaken for a supermarket promoter by Tang Jiale, who quickly realizes his mistake and leaves awkwardly. Yaguxin makes his entrance, his intimidating aura sending shivers through the crowd.
He Xinglong cautions Lu Xia to be careful near the net. He Xinglong then tells Zhuo Zhi about Yaguxin's past, describing him as a naturally gifted player who enjoys crushing his opponents' spirits. He Xinglong expresses worry for Lu Xia, yet also hopes for his victory. Lu Xia immediately takes the offensive, surprising Yaguxin with a close-range "A-shaped shot," which he declares is his "repayment" to Yaguxin.
