Zhang Xielin

1.1. Early Life and Education

Zhang Xielin was born on June 25, 1940, in Shanghai, which was then part of the Republic of China. Standing 67 in ^{(170 cm)} tall, his family originated from Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province. In his youth, Zhang initially adopted a penholder offensive style, utilizing inverted rubber for his play. However, a turning point came when he witnessed a chopper's elegant form at a table tennis venue, which deeply impressed him and inspired him to switch his play style. He transitioned to a penholder chopping game, developing a unique approach to the defensive style. In 1958, he enrolled in a technical school affiliated with the 上海汽輪機廠_{Shanghai Steam Turbine Plant}^Chinese, a major manufacturer of power generation equipment.

1.2. Early Activities

During his time at the technical school, Zhang began to distinguish himself as a talented table tennis player. In 1958, he represented Shanghai as an amateur, participating in the All-China Table Tennis Championship. Despite his growing success in the sport, his family initially expressed opposition to his dedication to table tennis. Their concerns stemmed from the considerable travel expenses incurred for his daily matches, as well as the stable and secure career path that awaited him at the Shanghai Steam Turbine Plant. However, his promising talent led to an invitation to compete in the 1st All-China Games in 1959. Following this, he received an official offer to join the Shanghai team. This opportunity prompted Zhang to make the definitive decision to leave the factory and fully commit to a professional career in table tennis, marking the beginning of his journey as an athlete.

2.1. Table Tennis Introduction and Style Development

Zhang Xielin's entry into table tennis saw him develop a distinctive pen-grip chopping technique. He is widely credited as one of the earliest and most successful players to integrate long-pimple rubber into his game. His experimentation with this rubber began around 1959 or 1960. He acquired a discarded, defective top sheet from the Red Double Happiness factory (紅双喜_{Hóngshuāngxǐ}^Chinese), which was originally intended for inverted rubber. By reversing this sheet and applying it to his racket, he discovered its unique properties and found it to be highly effective, leading him to continue using it. The specific long-pimple rubber he used had shorter pips compared to modern versions. His playing style was characterized by steady chops combined with unpredictable spins, making his shots difficult for opponents to read and return effectively.

2.2. Major Competitions and Achievements

By 1960, Zhang had established himself as the leading player for the Shanghai team. His international career began shortly thereafter, marked by a series of significant victories and pioneering achievements.

At the 1961 World Table Tennis Championships held in Beijing, Zhang Xielin, representing China, earned a bronze medal in the men's singles event. During this tournament, he notably defeated prominent Japanese players such as Nobuya Hoshino and Keiichi Miki. Two years later, at the 1963 World Table Tennis Championships in Prague, he secured another bronze medal in men's singles. It was at this championship that he achieved a historic gold medal in men's doubles, partnering with Wang Zhiliang, making them the first Chinese pair to win a men's doubles world title. Zhang also played a crucial role in China's victory in the men's team event, contributing significantly to their gold medal. His innovative use of long-pimple rubber proved particularly effective against Japanese players, who predominantly relied on inverted rubber and drive-based attacks and were largely unprepared for the unique spin variations his rubber produced.

Zhang continued his success at the 1965 World Table Tennis Championships in Ljubljana. He won silver medals in both men's doubles, again with Wang Zhiliang, and in mixed doubles, partnering with Lin Huiqing. In the men's team event, China, with Zhang as a key player, successfully defended their title, defeating Japan in the final. In the men's singles quarterfinals, he faced Eberhard Schöler of West Germany in a highly competitive match. The contest was so intense that it went to the expedite rule from the very first game, with Zhang ultimately losing. This match was later described by the renowned Japanese player and analyst Ichiro Ogimura as a "rare great match." Notably, in the team final against Japan, Zhang was defeated by Hiroshi Takahashi, who had meticulously developed specific tactics to counter Zhang's distinctive style. Takahashi's victory made him the only Japanese player to defeat Zhang Xielin in a major competition.

2.3. Cultural Revolution and Playing Career

The political upheaval of the Cultural Revolution in China had a significant impact on the country's sports programs and international participation. As a direct consequence, the Chinese national table tennis team, including Zhang Xielin, boycotted the 1967 World Table Tennis Championships and the 1969 World Table Tennis Championships. This period effectively suspended Zhang's international playing career, preventing him from competing at the sport's highest level for several years during his prime.

2.4. Retirement

Zhang Xielin eventually returned to international competition at the 1971 World Table Tennis Championships in Nagoya, where he demonstrated his enduring skill by winning a gold medal in mixed doubles with Lin Huiqing. He participated in his final major tournament at the 1973 World Table Tennis Championships in Sarajevo. After this event, where he did not secure any medals, Zhang Xielin officially retired from his active playing career.

3.1. Coaching Chinese Women's Team

After concluding his playing career in 1972, Zhang Xielin transitioned into coaching, initially serving as a coach for the Chinese women's national table tennis team. He later ascended to the position of head coach. Under his strategic guidance and leadership, the Chinese women's team achieved an extraordinary feat, securing eight consecutive World Championship team titles from 1975 to 1991. This remarkable streak solidified their dominance in international women's table tennis. By the time he stepped down as head coach after the 1995 World Table Tennis Championships held in Tianjin, Zhang Xielin had led the Chinese women's team to a total of ten team championships at the World Table Tennis Championships, establishing a lasting legacy of excellence.

3.2. Other Positions

Beyond his highly successful coaching tenure, Zhang Xielin also held significant administrative roles within the sport. He served as the Vice Chairman of the Chinese Table Tennis Association, contributing to the governance and development of table tennis at a national level. Additionally, he held the position of Deputy Director of the Table Tennis and Badminton Management Center, which operates under the General Administration of Sport of China, further solidifying his influence in Chinese sports administration.