The Prince of Tennis Episode 27 Recap
> The Prince of Tennis Recap
Zhang Baiyang's intense singles match against Kui Jian of Sixth Middle School begins. Despite Kui Jian's reputation as an agile, all-around player with no obvious weaknesses, Zhang Baiyang remains confident. Zhang Baiyang's repeated use of his "snake ball" technique initially worries Yan Zhiming, while Sixth Middle School's coach scolds Kui Jian for deliberately losing the first four games to self-impose pressure. In the fifth game, Kui Jian unleashes his full power, surprising Zhang Baiyang with powerful counterattacks.
Yan Zhiming, having researched Kui Jian's history of strategic early losses and comebacks, realizes the match is precarious. Remembering Yan Zhiming's words, Zhang Baiyang adapts, changing his usual "snake ball" return to a short drop shot, catching Kui Jian off guard. During a crucial return, Zhang Baiyang accidentally hits his head on the net pole, causing a bleeding injury.
Undeterred, he quickly wraps his head with a bandana and continues playing with fierce determination, ultimately winning the match and securing Yuqing's spot in the provincial semifinals. Despite their loss, Sixth Middle School's team celebrates their efforts, which puzzles Lu Xia, but Kui Jian approaches Lu Xia, expressing admiration and a desire to play him in the future. The next day, Yuqing prepares for their confrontation with Xingyao (Starry).
They observe Xingyao's match, noting their formidable strength and the arrogant demeanor of their captain, Ji Jingwu. Haiguang Middle School, including Yuan Chi, is also present, with Yuan Chi provoking Lu Xia, while Qiao Chen defiantly declares Haiguang won't achieve a three-peat this year. Mu Siyang gathers his main players, encouraging them before sending them to rest and prepare.
He later takes Lu Xia aside to discuss the heavy responsibility of leading Yuqing, urging him to convert this burden into motivation and adjust his state for upcoming matches. Mu Siyang's words hint at his own severe injury; he wishes to participate in the national competition, but doctors have warned that playing again could lead to permanent damage and end his career. Qi Ying stays by Lu Xia's side, observing his pensive mood and subtly guiding him home.
Lu Xia's form remains unrecovered as the Xingyao match approaches in nineteen days, drawing criticism from teammates like Huang Jing. Tang Jiale works hard to rekindle his "golden partnership" with Chi Dayong, but Chi Dayong struggles to match his pace and jovial spirit. Concerned about Lu Xia's state, the coach suggests he stop training to rest and readjust, but Lu Xia, feeling time-pressed, refuses.
As the coach tries to persuade Lu Xia not to blindly push forward, Lu Xia receives a frantic call from Lu Xiangqian claiming to be in a car accident. Terrified, Lu Xia rushes to the hospital, his mind reeling with past memories and fears of losing Lu Xiangqian. Upon arrival, he finds Lu Xiangqian perfectly fine, his hand merely bandaged, jovially chatting with nurses. Lu Xia, initially enraged by the false alarm after being scared senseless, eventually feels immense relief that Lu Xiangqian is safe, expressing his deep fear of having truly lost him.
