When Sun Yingsha temporarily faded into the background and Chen Meng was absent from the court, a familiar name re-emerged under the spotlight - Wang Manyu. This "Pillar of the Sea" of the national table tennis women's team lived up to expectations, using an impressive series of victories to prove herself: winning the WTT Fukuoka annual finals and putting on a show of "21 consecutive victories" in the mixed team World Cup, without losing a single game!
However, just as Wang Manyu was basking in success, a small change caught the attention of fans. On the sidelines of the match, we seemed to see a new face - Sun Xun, the coach. This detail was like a pebble dropped into a calm lake, creating ripples.
Speaking of Wang Manyu and her coaches, it's really an "emotional drama." Her earliest partner was Coach Xiao Zhan, at that time Wang Manyu was like an unpolished piece of jade, gradually showing off its dazzling luster under Xiao Zhan's tutelage. That period was like a touching poem written by master and apprentice working together.
But, as they say, all good things must come to an end. When Xiao Zhan was reassigned to be the mixed doubles coach, Wang Manyu felt like she had lost her backbone, and her state began to fluctuate. It was then that the young Xu Hui coach entered her life. After more than a year of coordination, the two finally found their rhythm, and Wang Manyu's ball skills also gradually improved.
Yet, fate always likes to play jokes on people. In recent international competitions, Coach Xu Hui did not appear beside Wang Manyu. It turned out that he was sent to lead young players in the WTT branch line matches, seemingly taking root in the echelon. This makes one recall what the head coach Li Sun once said: after the National Championships, the coaching team will be adjusted. It seems unlikely that Xu Hui will return to Wang Manyu's side.
Just as everyone was guessing who Wang Manyu's new coach would be, a scene at the Chengdu Mixed Team World Cup seemed to provide the answer. When Wang Manyu returned to the bench, besides head coach Li Sun and women's team coach Ma Lin, there was another particularly noticeable figure - Sun Xun, the coach.
This 44-year-old man from Liaoning is no unknown. He has coached Chen Meng before, helping her not only successfully obtain the entry ticket to the Paris Olympics but also successfully defend her title in the women's singles competition. After joining the national table tennis first team in 2023, he was like injecting fresh blood into the team.
Speaking of Sun Xun and Ma Lin's connection, both are from Liaoning and have been athletes, this "Northeastern friendship" is quite interesting. More importantly, Sun Xun is young and can easily resonate with young players like Wang Manyu. It's like finding a big brother who understands both the game and the heart.
For Wang Manyu, this is undoubtedly good news. Sun Xun is not only young and promising but also has successful coaching experience. Most importantly, he can communicate barrier-free with Wang Manyu, which is very important in competitive sports. It's like finding a soulmate who can talk about the same things, guiding techniques and exchanging insights.
Looking back on Wang Manyu's growth process, we can't help but notice that each coach has left a unique mark on her life. Coach Xiao Zhan taught her the basics, Coach Xu Hui helped her stabilize her performance, and now Coach Sun Xun may take her to new heights.
This reminds me of a saying: "Everyone will encounter different benefactors in their lives, and excellent coaches are one of the most important benefactors for athletes." For Wang Manyu, meeting Coach Sun Xun may be a new starting point in her career.
Although the national table tennis team has not officially announced it yet, judging from various signs, Sun Xun is likely to be Wang Manyu's new head coach. This is like a carefully arranged blind date, both sides have good conditions, let's see what sparks they can create.
In fact, in competitive sports, the relationship between coaches and athletes is like that between gardeners and flowers. A good coach not only knows how to water and fertilize but also needs to understand the characteristics of each flower. Obviously, Sun Xun has proven his abilities when coaching Chen Meng, and it is believed that he can also help Wang Manyu shine even brighter.
Looking at Wang Manyu's recent outstanding performance, we seem to have seen the beautiful prospects of her cooperation with the new coach. The feat of 21 consecutive victories may just be the beginning. Under Sun Xun's guidance, we look forward to seeing a more comprehensive and mature Wang Manyu.
Of course, the replacement of coaches is just an opportunity, real growth still depends on the athlete's own efforts. But with the guidance of a good coach, the path will surely be walked more steadily and further. As the ancients said: "If you want to do something well, you must first sharpen your tools." A good coach is the best "tool" for athletes.
Let's look forward to Wang Manyu continuing to write her legendary story under the guidance of her new coach. After all, on this stage of competitive sports, every change may bring new breakthroughs, and every encounter may create new miracles.
The charm of sports lies in this, it is not only a contest of technology but also an emotional fusion between people. May Wang Manyu and her new coach spark brilliant fireworks and continue to write her splendid chapter in the world of table tennis. After all, when coaches and athletes find the most suitable partners, it will be the most beautiful table tennis story.