Ode To Latitude
Tadaa...

Tara stared at the screen of her mobile phone that was playing the final game of the SEA Games. There is still 15 minutes left before the shooting scene starts. He was looking for the face of Lintang among the Indonesian men's team. His eyes sparkled happily when he saw Lintang sitting in the row of the men's team line-up. Niko appeared as the first player against Thian Hao. Both are warming up. The line up of both camps has not changed, still relying on the main squad duet. Both teams certainly have careful consideration, not relegating the junior squad because this is a final game even though the main squad is not necessarily performing well. Lintang became the main highlight today because of his defeat in yesterday's game.

Niko and Thian Hao are on a record 8 meetings this year with a total of five wins and three losses for Niko. Niko realized at this level everyone would not talk about techniques because they studied theory and practice from a very young age. Throughout their meeting, Niko was able to read Thian Hao's figure in the field. Power and solid attack are the key to Thian Hao. Throughout this year's BWF tournament, Thian Hao met a lot of top five players in the world, his ability to improve rapidly.

Niko was confident. He played a netting pass to have Thian Hao lift the ball and finished Niko off with a hard smash. Thian Hao did not take long to turn things around. Now it's his turn to play speed and power in his punch. His punch can not be dammed Niko, several times the ball was not successfully returned and the rest is out of reach Niko. Points before the interval of 11-7, Thian Hao took the lead.

The match continues. Niko kept her mind at ease as the monitored opponent wanted to end the first half immediately. Game point 20-18, Thian Hao asked for a short break to wipe the sweat. Niko stayed on the field occasionally playing her racket flailing in the air.

Indonesian supporters resigned if in this round Niko lost to the representatives of Malaysia, because their focus was on the next player who is believed to be able to win the gold medal.

Thian Hao smash in full force, Niko returns the smash perfectly, the opponent prepares to do a second smash but his punch hits the net. Niko's score turned 19. Thian Hao curses a little he turns to his coach who only looks at him convinced that the first game belongs to the Malaysian representatives. Niko performed forehand service forcing the opponent in a defensive position and not having any chance of counter-attacking. Thian Hao ran to the back of the field, he returned Niko's punch with backhand technique. Niko casually made a small header in front of the net, Thian Hao's distance and the front of the net far enough that there was no chance for Thian Hao to return the ball.

“Habisin, selusin” Indonesian women's team cheers Niko.

“Malaysia can” shouted the Malaysian women's team cheering Thian Hao.

Flick serve Niko adds consecutive numbers for Indonesia, 21-20. Thian Hao's next blow became more aggressive, forcing Niko to lift the ball and perform a lob blow. Niko increased her defense, anticipating Thian Hao's powerful punch.

“Out” shouted the line referee as a smash to the side of the field opposite to where Niko stood widened out the field line. The first round was won by Indonesia.

Niko kept his composure because the first half was already in his grasp. He does not allow opponents to chase his points. His confidence is increasing, his defense is strong, wherever the ball in the pikil opponent he chased after him no matter how many blisters on his hands and knees he still woke up chasing the ball. Thian Hao took the initiative to change the pattern of the game, he reduced the speed and power in his punches. Niko took the opportunity to build an attack as she felt the power of the opponent's punch was reduced. Niko limits the opponent's counterattack, speed and netting are the opponent's weaknesses. Niko defeated Thian Hao 21-15.

The second match began, the Indonesian men's doubles played confidently as well as opponents who appeared in an on fire performance. This game is a fun game that everyone has been waiting for. Both teams have the same style of play with focus in front of the net and playing half the field. Malaysia uses the strategy of Chinese players when dealing with Indonesian doubles, offensive and defensive. Block the ball in front of the net and pull as many balls into the back court as possible.

Chasing each other points is inevitable, both teams show the quality of the game is a draw. Indonesia almost lost the direction of the game but Pijar Gilang double defender Indonesia issued the most frightening smash. Lucky for the Indonesian team, the execution of back court blows by Malaysia has not been in line with expectations of many balls wide in addition to the windy venue conditions his blows seem reluctant and out past the field.

The second half Malaysian players no longer experimented like the first half, they returned to their actual style of play. Fast drives are inevitable, both of which turn the ball off in front of the net. As the game warms up Danar deliberately delays service, opponents protest and Danar gets the first yellow card prize throughout the tournament.

Danar responded to the clapping of the opponent's camp with a careless smile, he knew mentally disturbed opponents fast balls opponents successfully turned off in one or two attacks it made the opponent's communication bad, it made the opponent's communication worse, they blamed each other on the field. Pijar also followed by shouting every Indonesian got a point at the end of the point opponent slammed the racket and shook hands potluck.

The latitude prepares at the backstage waiting for its turn to be called by the show host. He stepped towards the stands, backsound instruments and Smell of traditional Vietnamese musical instruments building a goosebump atmosphere in that arena. The audience silently listened to the instruments that were lurking.

Lintang saw the image of a young player in front of him the same when he was 17 years old. Fear of attacking and being late to make decisions because of the burden and expectations of the community. The pressure was exhausting, his body was on the pitch but his mind wandered everywhere.

The latitude did not need to take many steps and only needed to reduce the force of the punch in order not to go out. Without having to bother he won the game after thwarting all the opponent's anticipation and giving attacks and trick shots without pause. Seeing the young player before him lose his spirit and passion playing Latang hugged him and stroked his head while saying thank you and continuing to fight. The match ended in a perfect victory, the record of the undefeated men's team was greeted with full haru and tears finally red and white fluttered again.

Just the same day after all the badminton games and ceremonies ended Vietnamese number one singles player Nguyen Thi Thuy retired at the age of 30 and publicized her civil marriage.

Annisa saw the camera glaring at mostly middle-aged supporters carrying banners, posters and Vietnamese flags expressing her gratitude and utmost appreciation to Thi Thuy for his dedication to the Vietnamese badminton team.

Although her legs have not fully healed and are still hurting, Annisa's heart is much more hurt watching other athletes retire quietly, while her retirement rumors are leaked to the public into mockery. Fans may only see the moment when he plays and wins, does anyone think what his life is like? When everyone is relaxed he has to train hard. Defeating others who have the same dream to be on the national plate. No matter how tired he was, he worked hard every minute of his life. Annisa understands the fans want a good game and a win in every game, players want the same but do they ever understand that they have put all their skills in and there is no absolute victory in every game.

Annisa is tired, slowly saturated with her routine and wants to retire soon but her conscience refuses. He had a dream of donating a gold medal to Indonesian women's team twice he was given the chance he did not make good use of it. Suppose that...

“tok, tok, tok” knock on room door resuscitate Annisa.

“Masuk” said with a hoarse voice.

“Tadaaaaaaa...” Indonesian women's team scrambling into the treatment room.

“Captain, we got a silver medal. Thanks for the hard work” they took turns hugging Annisa. Elfi held Annisa's medal around her neck. Annisa stared at the sparkling face of her team who were busy taking pictures with their medals, as she remembered she had never posted herself with a medal other than gold due to embarrassment and fear of the rain of others. Why be ashamed of her hard work if anyone doesn't like why would it be a burden to her?

“Let's all take positions, we take photos with captain” coach Naufal said.

“Tag dong if post” said Annisa slowly, her face held back tears.

“Yessss” says women's team cheer.

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