Ode To Latitude
The All England (3)

"This is the Yonex All England Open Badminton Championship Men's Single Final, let's react for the player. First step and the number one from Denmark, Alexander Eriksen"

The Utilita Arena Birmingham was filled with cheers and a festive applause. Alex walked to the field.

"And the opponent the number eighteen from Indonesia, Lintang Wiryateja" 

Indonesian spectators cheered while waving flags. The latitude running past Alex, Alex's aura was strong enough to reduce Latitude's confidence. During Alex's European tour undefeated, the world number one position has been occupied for 22 weeks. Not an easy thing to maintain that position, the ranking of two worlds is only 500 points with points belonging to Alex. 

Lintang took off the jacket he was wearing and headed for the field, where he shook hands with Alex and the referee. The referee holds the coin and asks both players to select an image that is on one side of the coin, then flops the coin into the air to determine the first serve.

Warming begins. A large screen in the arena displays the profiles of both players, the profiles of the main referees, and the service referees. 

"Ready to play" said the referee signaled the warm-up has ended and the match will begin. The audience cheered. Lintang felt very nervous so happy to be in the final with a world ranking. The tribune was silent when Lintang performed the first service.

"Out, one - love" 

The first point for Alex, the Latitude service did not pass through the service area but instead fell in front of the white line. Latitude snarls. An unsettled expression appeared on his face. Koh Toni looks forward to watching Latitude.

"Let's go Danish, Let's Go!" yelled Danish supporters. A quarter of the stands were filled with Danish supporters and some even blatantly placed bets for the match. Supporters of Indonesia are only a small community consisting of students, TKI, some badminton lovers, and a middle-aged father who is the mascot of BL Indonesia named Pak Tirto.

Mr. Tirto was first noticed by BL Indonesia during the match in Istora and Southeast Asia, he almost never absent supporting Indonesia with a distinctive costume of the tribes in the archipelago, which he designed from recycled goods. BWF appreciates the loyalty of Mr. Tirto in several posts on their official account, even Pak Tirto made a special title of his trip as badminton lovers. Gossip circulating among badminton lovers Indonesia, later Pak Tirto was backed up by a sponsor who was willing to finance his trip as a supporter in Team Indonesia in various tournaments level 300 until the close of the BWF tour. But this rumor was never confirmed by Mr. Tirto.

Garuda on my chest, Garuda kebangaanku

I'm sure today will win 

The first game continues. Lintang has not been able to master themselves and and master the game. The euphoria in Birmingham is still shaking his heart, his whole body goosebumps hearing Danish supporters singing their national anthem even though the first half is not over. 

Lintang thinks how to break down Alex's defense. Lintang fast smash managed to break Alex, Dropshot easily returned Alex despite the position of his body is at the end of the field, Alex agile chasing the ball. The latitude Placing widened out of the field, producing a number for Alex. The Danish fans are more excited and optimistic Alex will win easy, straight games. The first half ended with an African score of 8-21.

"You have to be more patient, invite a drive, do not love the ball high, must dare to be tired, can let's can" said Koh Toni ended his direction. After yesterday's game they had set up a, b, c strategies all of them considered to wear during the game. Today the plan that has been drawn up has not been seen. Lintang was unable to get out of defence at the start of the second half.

The second interval of latitude begins to be able to control yourself, emotions and pressure. The screams of the supporters were ignored. Cross-focus breaking into the opponent's defense. Excess drive, used to gain point by point. 

The utility arena warms as Alex slips. The majority of Danish supporters in the VIP seats shouted. Score 17-17. The referee temporarily halts the game. Four officers ran into the field. Two of the organizers repaired the hollow side of the field with black duct tape, while the other two were medics who examined Alex's legs.

The screen re-imagined Alex's falling position, commentators said that the position was very unfavorable to Alex because it seemed his kneecap shifted slightly, clearly visible there was an abnormal protruding part when falling.

One of the officers sprayed Ethyl chloride on the calves and thighs to reduce pain. Alex grimaced in pain with the pain that began to spread throughout his right leg. 

The Danish coach approached Alex asking if he could still continue the match, Alex shaking his head as he pointed at his knee which gradually turned reddish. 

The medical team instructed the four medical volunteers to carry a stretcher to the center of the field. The audience is getting worse. The Danish coach approached the referee saying something in English. Referee declared the match finished, Alex retired automatic Lintang out as the All England champion as well as close the world's oldest badminton competition.

The latitude approaching Alex shows sympathy and empathy. Lintang faced the stands and bowed his head thanking the supporters and spectators who were present that night.

Photo sessions and prize handover are quick. The feeling of Latitude mixed, for him this was the first title as well as a sad victory for him. He didn't play well, didn't give up all his ability, nor did his opponent give up due to injury. For Lintang this title is not a real victory, nothing more than luck. There is no celebration, no pride, and everyone knows that even if he continues the game he is most likely to lose heavily, because from the beginning Alex has controlled the game.

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