Facebook Instagram Linkedin X Youtube
Home Blog Page 10837

ILO adopts new convention on workplace violence, harassment

THE International Labor Organization (ILO) said it has created a new labor standard that aims to address violence and harassment in the workplace.

The ILO said Friday that the new Violence and Harassment Convention 2019 calls on member states around the world to enforce “zero tolerance” of any form of violence and harassment at work. This is the first new ILO Convention since 2011.

ILO Director-General Guy Ryder said in a statement Friday, “The new standards recognize the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment.”

The Violence and Harassment Convention 2019 was also adopted along with the Violence and Harassment Recommendation 2019.

The Convention covers violence and harassment that happens in the workplace; during workers’ breaks; in work-related trips; and even commuting to and from work. The Convention will not only tackle physical violence but also worker discrimination and labor law abuse.

“This Convention protects workers and other persons in the world of work, including employees as defined by national law and practice, as well as persons working irrespective of their contractual status, persons in training, including interns and apprentices, workers whose employment has been terminated, volunteers, jobseekers and job applicants, and individuals exercising the authority, duties or responsibilities of an employer,” according to the Convention.

The Convention calls on member-states to promote the rights of employees such as freedom to organize and to have collective bargaining. Other labor rights include the prevention of forced labor and child labor.

The ILO said in line with the new labor standard, laws and policies must assure inclusivity and equality in the labor force especially for women and for workers who are part of sectors or groups vulnerable to violence and discrimination.

The Convention will officially come into force 12 months after two member states have ratified it. ILO Conventions are legally binding while Recommendations are guidelines on how Conventions are to be implemented.

ILO Department on Conditions of Work and Equality (WORKQUALITY) Director Manuela Tomei said, “This is the first time that a Convention and Recommendation on violence and harassment in the world of work have been adopted. We now have an agreed definition of violence and harassment. We know what needs to be done to prevent and address it, and by whom. We hope these new standards will lead us into the future of work we want to see.” — Gillian M. Cortez

Digital transformation for SMEs

Established in 2015, the ASEAN Economic Community promotes the significant growth and potential of the region’s emerging economies. Key drivers of emerging economies are small and medium enterprises (SMEs). However, with rapid digitalization occurring across almost all business sectors, ASEAN SMEs are increasingly looking to transform their enterprises. SMEs are considering tapping into digital trends to further grow and strengthen their competitive edge as well as making use of emerging technologies to maintain their profitability.

This article focuses on selected insights from EY’s latest survey, Redesigning for the digital economy, which covers SMEs from the six largest ASEAN markets of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines. Respondents are from 370 ASEAN mid-market organizations with annual global revenues of between $20 million to $500 million. These collective insights help us understand their strategic priorities, approaches to digital transformation, and application of transformative technologies.

In general, the survey reports that transformative technology is increasingly viable, facilitating SMEs to adopt a digital-first mindset. Investments in technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotic process automation present attractive benefits that can help manage costs, reduce risks, deliver personalized customer service, and create next-generation products and services that are more focused on the digital age. However, digitalization also presents a challenge. It is as much a game changer as it is a massive undertaking, since SMEs will need to take a long-term view of their resource investments, and may find the need to depart from traditional models to reboot themselves.

DRIVERS OF TRANSFORMATION
Many SMEs are determined to forge ahead with digital transformation strategies to gain an edge over their competition, and the EY survey identifies four of the forces that spur on digital investments to ensure they stay ahead.

Service quality. Customers today have higher service expectations, especially with younger, digitally adept accustomed to 24/7 availability. These customers expect service to be rendered faster than ever, pushing companies to elevate their ability to deliver. Applying digital technology would help organizations achieve near real-time fulfillment, provide contextual personalization, and enable increasingly problem-free user experiences. One current method to provide real-time fulfillment is through AI in the form of chatbots. This developing tool automates repetitive individual queries, increasing the chances of conversion.

Build connectivity and leverage off ecosystem partners. Regardless of size or industry, SMEs will gain an advantage from collaborating with participants within their broader ecosystem. This provides them with connectivity into the digital network of other businesses, with the added opportunities of co-creating new products, capitalizing on external expertise and collective innovation, and pursuing new markets or customers.

Managing operating costs. Meeting high customer expectations requires SMEs to accelerate the digitalization of their business processes. These include labor-intensive back-office processes to reduce paperwork, raise automation, quicken turnaround times and manage front-office expenses critical to reducing the cost to serve or deliver more services and solutions via digital, self-serve channels. For example, as a response to escalating salaries, robotic process automation (RPA) is emerging as a new class of digital labor that can eliminate manual, repetitive processes. Its benefits include cost-saving opportunities from continued enhancements to processes and advancements in robotic tools, higher dependability, and transactions that are more accurate, documentable, and auditable with process automation.

Keep pace with competitors. SMEs are facing competitive threats from new companies created in this digital age that can utilize nimbler data instead of slower physical infrastructure. A possible competitor may come in the form of micro enterprises that can negatively impact profitability without needing to be of comparable scale, or new companies that achieve significant scale by leveraging disruptive technologies and posing a challenge within a short amount of time. Another example is small e-retailers with minimal operating overheads that can choose what product segments to sell, severely undercutting the pricing of SME retail companies. To maintain relevance, SMEs need to deliver on new business propositions by stepping up their technological pace. A possible solution is through improved payment applications, with payment technologies enabled by e-commerce and e-wallets that are especially driven in an emerging country like the Philippines with low credit card penetration.

Digitalization will impact almost every facet of SMEs. It alters the competitive landscape and performance across industries, creating an urgent imperative for SMEs to transform for growth and competitiveness. High-level steps must be undertaken for SMEs to transform their digital vision into reality, some of which are presented in the survey.

STEPS TO DIGITAL SUCCESS
The EY Survey further discusses that while digital disruptions in businesses are well-documented, many organizations have achieved limited, genuine successes with digital transformations.

Transformation begins with a committed executive-level sponsorship, laying a firm foundation for digital success. Oversight of digital technologies, and the foresight to prioritize these to champion change, paves the way for SMEs to move quickly. The survey notes that 74.2% of respondents felt that, in developing a culture of agile innovation, having supportive senior stakeholders is a prerogative. To begin, a current-state assessment of the organization’s innovation maturity should be made to serve as a benchmark for execution, while a realistic outlook about what the future-state model must be adopted.

Nearly 61% of respondents highlight that technical limitations from legacy architectures hinder their digital strategies, requiring a balance between both. Some SMEs might opt for major overhauls, but many could simply decommission applications they find redundant, then recondition remaining systems to reduce complexity and enable them to process quickly when necessary. Cost savings from IT legacy modernizations such as cloud technologies, open APIs, and microservices applications can then be invested to fund a continuous digital strategy.

SMEs should not just concentrate efforts within specific areas, and instead focus on end-to-end initiatives. This means extending beyond customer-facing processes and including digital solutions for mid and back-office functions. Further cohesiveness could be improved by horizontally integrating between front, mid and back-offices. It should be noted that while surveyed SMEs intend to focus more on adopting emerging solutions than business-as-usual technologies by FY22, they should also be cautious against pursuing disruptive technology simply for the sake of doing so. Not every component needs to be digitalized, and not every initiative may deliver a satisfactory RoI. To reduce risk, SMEs can incubate digital solutions through prototyping, testing and validating initiatives through experimentation on a smaller scale and keenly monitoring feedback.

SMEs are also treading a fine line between balancing digital initiatives and managing data protection and customer privacy safeguards, ensuring that the intent to mitigate new digital risks do not impede innovation. Security risks from cyber threats and vulnerabilities are also challenges that merit attention as breaches can not only result in significant reputational and financial impact, they could also damage consumer confidence in the company. This calls for SMEs to develop integrated risk management, compliance and security protocols as part of an initial digital design phase.

ASEAN SMEs are vital contributors to the region’s economy, but their continued economic support depends on their ability to leverage digital solutions to expand efficiently. While transforming into digital powerhouses cannot be expected overnight, the digital environment is rapidly evolving, and SMEs cannot risk being left behind. Digital initiatives that are well-crafted and executed can help SMES today progress in a competitive landscape, further finding potential to become tomorrow’s multinationals. Clearly, while the challenges in transforming digitally are great, the rewards to be reaped are far greater.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice where the facts and circumstances warrant. The views and opinion expressed above are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of SGV & Co.

 

Wilson P. Tan is the Vice Chairman and Deputy Managing Partner of SGV & Co.

How PSEi member stocks performed — June 21, 2019

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Friday, June 21, 2019.

 

What would a Duterte-anointed Speaker mean?

By Charmaine A. Tadalan
Reporter

PRESIDENT RODRIGO Roa Duterte’s move to recommend his preferred Speaker of the House of Representatives may put the independence of the 18th Congress further at risk, analysts said in separate interviews late last week.

It was also raised that while a supermajority in the House and Senate could translate to a stronger push for the President’s priority bills, it could also threaten the quality of legislative measures that will make it out of both chambers.

“I think a President openly and enthusiastically making an endorsement for Speaker of the HOR undermines the principle of separation of powers,” lawyer and senior research fellow Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco of the Ateneo Policy Center said in an email on June 20.

“In the case of a supermajority in both houses of the 18th Congress, keeping the executive accountable will most likely be a rare occurrence.”

Mr. Duterte announced on Tuesday last week that he will name his bet for the House leadership on June 28, following his state visit in Thailand for the 34th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

Among those interested for the Speakership are Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco, congressmen-elect Alan Peter S. Cayetano of Taguig City-1st district, Pantaleon D. Alvarez of Davao del Norte-1st district, and Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez of Leyte-1st district.

“Our political leaders today have allowed patronage politics to override constitutional conventions such as separation of powers. Consequently, we very seldom see the application of the principle of checks and balances anymore between the executive and legislative branches of government,” Mr. Yusingco also said.

As practiced by the Philippine legislature, the President’s endorsement for the leader of the House is an expected development, which University of the Philippines (UP) political science professor Maria Ela L. Atienza noted in this case “may be based on personal loyalty and trust but not necessarily the most well-suited as Speaker of the House.”

Ms. Atienza added the “principle of separation of powers is lost,” given the personality-based politics in the country and the weak political party system, which enables turncoatism.

“The President and his allies will likely choose a loyal Speaker who will protect the President’s interests. However, many politicians are also very practical. In case they feel that the President is no longer very popular, they can also switch loyalties to protect their interests. It is thus worth-watching if the President can maintain his popularity in the second half of his term,” Ms. Atienza said in an e-mail on Thursday.

Further, she raised that while the Senate, dominated by the President’s allies, is expected to become a rubber stamp, it is worth noting that some senators are likely eyeing to run for the executive post in 2022.

“Being nationally elected, the senators are more attuned to the national mood as well as more conscious about how they are perceived by the public. Many senators usually also aspire to be President and Vice President. Thus, this coming three years can also be a preparation for the 2022 presidential elections,” she said.

On this note, Ms. Atienza raised the role of media, the academe and social movements, among others, to keep the independence of both Houses in check.

Contrary to this, University of Santo Tomas political science professor Marlon M. Villarin in a phone message on Thursday said the separation of powers and the principle of checks and balances will remain intact.

“The primary intention is normally to find a leader in both house that will make the president’s legislative agenda in the form of service get supports and priority, I don’t see it as a threat to separation of power for at the end of the day, congress will still sit and decide independently to fiscalize executive initiative and check and balances is still in effect,” he said.

“What is worth noting is the extent and effect as well as the quality of legislation and priority congress does.”

He, however, noted the supermajority in congress may eventually allow for a President to resist checks and balances that may lead to a “tyrannical regime.”

Angat Dam level could further drop this week

ANGAT DAM’S water level could breach its lowest level recorded at 157.57 meters this week.

“If the situation in Angat watershed and dams, as far as rainfall is concerned, does not improve then it is possible,” National Water Resources Board (NWRB) Executive Director Sevillo D. David, Jr., told BusinessWorld in a text message when asked about the possibility of such a situation to occur.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has already declared the start of the rainy season, but the dam’s water level continues to go down.

The weather bureau noted in its website that as of 6 a.m. on Sunday, the water level in Angat was at 159.43 meters, 50.57 meters below its normal high water level of 210 meters.

Water elevation at Angat Dam last dropped below the critical level of 160 meters on July 13, 2010 when it registered a low of 157.57 meters, as the El Niño phenomenon affected the country.

WATER SUPPLY
As for the water allocation to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), Mr. David said 36 cubic meter per second (CMS) will be maintained for the rest of June.

Discussions will be held next week if this will be further reduced in July depending on the dam’s water level and climate projections.

The NWRB reduced water allocation during this month from 46 CMS to 40 CMS and further to 36 CMS.

“We appeal to everyone to help us also through responsible use of water and conserve water. Let’s also try to collect rain water and recycle it to help in the limited supply that we have now from the dam,” he said.

With this development, water concession holders in Metro Manila and surrounding areas said they will have to wait for further actions from the NWRB before they can determine how much longer the ongoing water interruptions would be.

Maynilad Water Services, Inc. Spokesperson Jennifer C. Rufo said in a text message, “We are spreading out that limited supply so that all customers will receive some water even within a few hours daily. The interruption schedules we implement will greatly depend on the allocation that NWRB will give to the MWSS.”

“Interruption hours could extend if less supply is given. Most affected in the West Zone are the highly elevated portions, and those that are farthest from the source, like Cavite,” she added.

For Manila Water Co., Inc., Group Head for Corporate Strategic Affairs Nestor Jeric T. Sevilla Jr. said in a separate text message, “We are already implementing longer hours of water interruption as Angat has already breached its critical level. Further longer hours of interruption will be dependent on NWRB if it will further reduce the current 36 CMS allocation to the concessionaires. The entire East Zone is affected with highly elevated areas and those located far from our pumping and booster stations heavily affected.” — Vincent Mariel P. Galang

Baguio to get help from Metro Manila, Davao City for traffic management center

BAGUIO CITY Mayor-elect Benjamin B. Magalong said over the weekend that “a team of experts” from Metro Manila and Davao City will help set up a command center for managing traffic congestion in the popular mountain destination. In a statement posted on Baguio’s official Website, Mr. Magalong said the facility will be similar to the 911 center in Davao City, which will also be used for security and disaster management operations. The incoming mayor, a former police director for the Cordillera region and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, said President Rodrigo R. Duterte has “assured him of funds required to guarantee the integration and eventual full operation of a command center to deal with traffic, peacekeeping and disaster management.” The amount has yet to be finalized and one of the factors that will determine budget would be the center’s location. The sites being considered are the City Buildings and Architecture Office building and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council building. Mr. Magalong is currently holding dialogues with the city’s various sectors in preparation for his first term in office.

Sicogon Island village under state of calamity due to dengue cases

THE VILLAGE of San Fernando in Sicogon Island, which is under the town of Carles in Iloilo, has been placed under a state of calamity due to a sudden spike in the number of dengue cases. Julieto A. Manggasang of the Carles Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) said the increase started on May 14 with two children admitted to a hospital for dengue. “Since then, cases have been rising,” he said in a phone interview on Saturday. San Fernando, with a population of over 1,000, is one of the three barangays in Sigocon Island where Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is developing a tourism estate. “The affected population are mostly school children aged 18 and below. They were admitted to the to Jesus M. Colmenares Memorial District Hospital in Balasan, Iloilo while the critical cases were brought to West Visayas Medical Center,” Mr. Manggasang said. The declaration of a state of calamity gives the barangay access to emergency funds to address the situation. Mr. Manggasang said the municipal government and barangay officials, with assistance from ALI, are working together to conduct clean-up drives and spraying activities to combat mosquito breeding sites. — Emme Rose Santiagudo

P160M fake cigarettes, machines found in Bulacan warehouses

THE BUREAU of Customs-Enforcement and Security Service (BoC-ESS) found more than P160 million worth of fake cigarettes, cigarette-making machines, and other smuggled goods stored inside two warehouses in Bulacan last June 13. In a statement released on Sunday, BoC said ESS agents inspected the warehouses in Marilao and Sta. Maria with Letters of Authority issued by the Office of the Commissioner. Found inside the Marilao warehouse were 1,339 master cases of fake Mighty, Fortune, Hope, Belmont, Marlboro, Modern, Double Happiness and Camel cigarettes valued at P40.170 million. In Sta. Maria, nine cigarette-making machines and fake cigarette tax stamps worth P120 million were discovered. Other seized items included imported drinking glasses and wall clocks. Warrants of Seizure and Detention will be issued against the items pursuant to Republic Act (RA) No. 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and RA 8293, the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

Japanese group to plant cherry blossoms in Davao City, Marawi

JAPANESE CHAMBER of Commerce-Mindanao Vice-President Takeyoshi Sumikawa has announced that they are working with Japanese agriculturist Masayuki Takahashi to plant 10,000 cherry blossom seedlings in Barangay Mintal, Davao City and in Marawi City. “We will start the project very soon,” he said, noting that they have initially brought 800 seedlings of sakura, Japanese for cherry blossoms, and started to grow these in a nursery located at the Eden Nature Park in Davao. “We will start the experiment and we want to confirm that the sakura trees will grow in Mintal. It takes three years for sakura trees to grow and come out with flowers,” he said. A part of Mintal is known as the “Little Tokyo” in Davao, an old Japanese settlement pre-dating World War II where a Japanese cemetery is located. Mr. Sumikawa said planting sakura trees is a good investment in terms of attracting more tourists.

MARAWI CITY
In Marawi, Mr. Sumikawa said they have visited the so-called ground zero from the 2017 siege and want to contribute to rebuilding the devastated city. He said they had a meeting with Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and expressed their intention to borrow military land in Marawi for the sakura trees. “We want to start experimental planting in Marawi. We can start next year. Considering the weather there, which is suitable for sakura trees,” he said. In Japan, he explained, cherry blossoms symbolize peace and the beauty of life, and stands as a reminder that life, while overwhelmingly beautiful, is also tragically short. “This is the first time that we will try planting sakura in the Philippines. We want to show the sakura to the Filipinos,” he said. — Maya M. Padillo

CoA flags Yolanda funds for PCOO employees; National Museum’s poor management of artworks

THE COMMISSION on Audit (CoA) flagged the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) for non-liquidation of assistance funds for its 20 employees who were victims of typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) and the 7.2 magnitude earthquake, which both hit the Visayas in 2013. In its 2018 annual audit report, CoA noted that the non-liquidation of the Yolanda funds deprived the victims of full financial assistance while one beneficiary did not receive her financial aid. The report said the Office of the President (OP) donated P1.37 million from the President’s Social Fund (PSF) to the PCOO in April 2015. The donation was distributed in two tranches. The state auditors said although the full amount was paid to beneficiaries as of August 2015, there was “poor monitoring” of the donations, which resulted to one employee not receiving her P15,000 financial aid for three years. CoA also noted that only the first tranche was released to the PCOO due to the non-fulfillment of the condition for the release of the second tranche, delaying the supposed P30,000 to P100,000 aid for house repairs of the beneficiaries. CoA also stated in the report that during its interview with the concerned PCOO officials and employees, they disclosed that “during the presidency’s transitional stage midyear of 2016, no proper turnover of official files and documents was done by the previous administration.” The auditing agency recommended that PCOO immediately release the P15,000 to the intended beneficiary from the first tranche and submit to the OP the liquidation report of the first tranche to release the remaining fund.

NATIONAL MUSEUM
In the same report, COA called out the National Museum for its “inadequate” and “improper” management of artworks and archeological specimens. It said the museum has “unaccounted and undocumented” borrowed items from external sources, which violates Republic Act No. 8492 or the National Museum Act of 1998. The report indicated that various benefactors, private and government institutions, have lent 864 items to the National Museum’s Fine Arts Division and eight items to the Zoology Division from the University of Santo Tomas Museum. However, only nine of the 23 memoranda of agreements (MOA) were submitted to the Fine Arts section, while none was given to the Zoology Division before displaying the loaned art and historical pieces. “It was noted in the report of Fine Arts Division that there were works of arts being exhibited already but the MOA is either pending for signing or for renewal while Zoology Division was not able to provide any supporting documents,” CoA said. The state auditors also flagged the National Museum for its “unsubstantiated” report on museum collections loaned to government agencies and private institutions. The report showed that 12 art and archaeological pieces were loaned to churches, government agencies, and universities abroad but “no loan agreements or other supporting documentation were provided by the Management despite written requests of the Audit Team.” With these findings, the state auditors recommended that the National Museum “ensure that received artworks and specimens, whether purchased or donated, shall be initially accounted by the Property Custodian.” — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

ROS edges Dyip in OT

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

THE Rain or Shine Elasto Painters swung back into the win column in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup after holding off the Columbian Dyip, 88-86, in overtime in an out-of-town match in Batangas City on Sunday.

Absorbed a tough defeat last time around where they blew a big lead to an undermanned Northport Batang Pier squad, the Elasto Painters averted dropping back-to-back games by holding tough in the end against a spirited challenge from the Dyip.

The win improved Rain or Shine to 3-3 while sending Columbian down to a third straight defeat and a 1-6 card in the midseason PBA tournament.

The game got to a competitive start with the two teams going on spurts and counter-spurts, eventually fighting to a 27-22 count, with Columbian on top, after the first quarter.

Rain or Shine would open the second canto strong, led by import Denzel Bowles.

It outgunned Columbian, 18-4, in the first six minutes to race to a nine-point advantage, 40-31.

But rookie CJ Perez and the rest of the Dyip would regain their footing the rest of the way, narrowing their deficit to just five points, 44-39, heading into the halfway juncture of the contest.

The nip-and-tuck nature of the game continued in the third frame as the two teams kept the pressure on one another.

Columbian came to within a point, 54-53, at the seven-minute mark, and reclaimed the lead, 55-54, after a minute.

Rain or Shine responded with a 5-0 run after to build a 59-55 advantage with three minutes left in the quarter.

Momentum swung back-and-forth for the remainder of the period with the score winding up knotted at 62-all entering the final 12 minutes.

With the game anything but settled, the two squads jockeyed aggressively to get early control in the fourth.

The Dyip sprinted to a 70-63 lead by the 8:46 mark.

Rain or Shine made attempts to narrow the gap and was successful in it, tying the score at 71-all with 4:42 to go care of import Bowles.

The Elasto Painters continued to take it to the Dyip, seizing a two-point lead, 77-75, with 2:35 remaining after a triple from rookie Javee Mocon.

Rashawn McCarthy then drained a three-pointer to hand back the lead to Columbian, 78-77, with 2:05 remaining.

Rain or Shine, however, came back with a deuce from Rey Nambatac 50 seconds after to go on top, 79-78.

Columbian sued for time after to set up a play but it was forced into a turnover in the inbounds play to hand back the ball to the Elasto Painters.

A split from the charity line by Mr. Bowles increased Rain or Shine’s lead to two points, 80-78, with 47 ticks left.

The Dyip once again called for time after. They went to import Lester Prosper but his three-pointer air-balled.

Rain or Shine secured the rebound then called timeout.

Columbian fouled Mr. Bowles with 24 seconds remaining, who in turn split his charities once again to leave the door open for the Dyip.

The Dyip capitalized on it with Mr. McCarthy draining the game-tying triple with a second left that eventually sent the game to overtime.

Columbian gained early traction to begin extra time with Rain or Shine catching up with it at 84-all with three minutes on the clock.

The score was still knotted at 86-all with 38 seconds remaining.

Mr. Perez managed to find his way to the hoop but failed to finish the basket giving Rain or Shine a chance to win the game with 17 ticks left.

Off a timeout, the Elasto Painters went to Mr. Mocon but Mr. Perez was able to deflect the ball with four seconds remaining in the game.

Rain or Shine called timeout anew and after they went inside the paint to Mr. Nambatac, who connected to hand the lead to his team, 88-86, with 2.6 seconds to go.

Columbian tried to salvage the win but the Elasto Painters’ defense held tough to preserve the victory.

Mr. Bowles led Rain or Shine with a triple double of 29 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists. He, however, went 7-of-21 from the free throw line. Mr. Nambatac and Jewel Ponferrada backstopped him with 10 points each.

For Columbian it was Mr. Prosper who showed the way with 26 points and 15 rebounds with Mr. McCarthy finishing with 15 points.

Back nine 28 helps Reavie to 6-shot lead at Travelers

CONNECTICUT — A blistering seven-under-par 28 for the back nine saw Chez Reavie romp to a six-stroke lead in the third round of the Travelers Championship in Connecticut on Saturday.

Six back at the turn, Reavie birdied seven holes coming home to shoot a seven-under 63 as he took aim at his first PGA Tour victory in 11 years.

His 16-under 194 put him comfortably in front of Keegan Bradley (69) and Zack Sucher (71) at TPC River Highlands.

Sucher, the second-round leader, blew a five-stroke lead with a bogey, double-bogey, double-bogey start to the back nine.

Reavie, who tied for third in last week’s US Open, played the final nine holes in a course-record tying 28, 12 strokes better than Sucher.

“I just tried to stay patient and tried not to press,” Reavie said after watching Sucher make four birdies on the front nine.

“So when I start making putts I think he started feeling it a little bit and started playing a little bit more aggressively than he normally would’ve.”

Reavie, whose only PGA Tour win came at the 2008 RBC Canadian Open, put together four consecutive birdies to start the back nine, then added three more at the 15th, 17th and 18th holes.

He also birdied the eighth after his lone bogey at the sixth. “Been feeling great with the putter for a while now,” said Reavie, who also putted well in the US Open.

Sucher was still optimistic despite the meltdown.

“The front nine was a lot of fun; back nine wasn’t much,” he said.

“I don’t feel like I did that much wrong on the back (nine). The doubles on 11 and 12 weren’t far off from being pretty good shots.”

Sucher said he was not thrown off by Reavie’s birdie run.

“It was more about me trying to get in with a good score,” Sucher said.

Australian Jason Day (68) and Mexico’s Roberto Diaz (67) shared fourth at nine-under. Bryson DeChambeau (64) and Kevin Tway (66) were in a group of four at eight-under that also included England’s Tommy Fleetwood (67) and Scotland’s Martin Laird (68).

World number one Brooks Koepka stumbled home with a two-over 72, recording four birdies, four bogeys and a double that left him 15 strokes adrift of Reavie.

“I’m dead. I’m fried,” said Koepka. “My body is starting to ache, too.”

Defending champion Bubba Watson spiralled downward as well with six bogeys in a round of 73 that put him 14 shots behind at two-under for the tournament.

“I’m just trying to gear up and get ready for the next event,” Watson said. “At some point I’m going to have a shot, and so I’ve got to stay ready and try to learn from this and keep moving on.” — Reuters

1...10,83610,83710,838...14,238Page 10,837 of 14,238
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
© 2024 BusinessWorld Publishing.
All rights reserved.
Read our privacy guidelines
Facebook Instagram Linkedin X Youtube