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BoC sees pickup truck tax, rice tariff hike mitigating revenue foregone due to EO 62

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THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) said it is counting on the reinstated excise tax on pickup trucks and a potential gradual increase in tariffs on rice imports to offset the revenue foregone as a result of Executive Order (EO) No. 62.

Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip C. Maronilla told BusinessWorld by phone that these measures could help mitigate the fiscal impact of EO 62, which reduced import levies on rice, electric vehicles (EVs), pork, corn, and mechanically deboned poultry meat.

Customs blamed the P30 billion in revenue foregone due to EO 62 for missing its P939.6-billion collection target last year.

“We’ve also been expecting the implementation of (Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act) since last year. Again, that’s one of the things that we look at in order to balance out the reduction in tariff when it comes to EVs,” Mr. Maronilla said.

Republic Act No. 12214 or CMEPA reduced the stock transaction tax and documentary stamp tax.

The Department of Finance earlier estimated that CMEPA could generate P25 billion until 2030 for the Treasury.

“We see pickup trucks evolving into commuter vehicles. Also in being used in the same manner as some other SUVs (sport utility vehicle). There are also luxury pickup trucks already in the market,” he said.

Pickup trucks had been exempt from excise tax under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law, to support small business owners and professionals.

In addition, Mr. Maronilla said the BoC is counting on proposals to gradually return the rice import tariff to 35% from the current 15%.

Any increase in the tariff is positive for Customs revenue, he said.

“We support the Department of Agriculture (on the tariff adjustment) not just because it’s going to mean more revenue, but I think the world prices of rice right now are falling, so increasing the tariff (won’t affect retail prices much),” Mr. Maronilla said.

This year, the BoC is hoping to collect P1.06 trillion, 14.28% higher than the actual collections of P931.05 billion in 2024.

In April, Customs revenue fell 7.48% to P74.7 billion. This brought year-to-date collections to P306.1 billion, up 2.16% from a year earlier.

Mr. Maronilla said surge of prices such as petroleum due to the escalation of the Middle East conflict means higher tariff collection, though he cautioned about the impact on inflation.

“As much as the Bureau wants to collect so much in terms of taxes on petroleum products, we want also to have a balance of economic gain and economic impact of these kinds of products,” it said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has ordered agencies to prepare for potential spikes in global oil prices after the US intervened in the Israel-Iran war.

The government is considering additional targeted subsidies should prices surge, aside from the initially announced fuel subsidies.

Under the 2025 spending plan, the government allotted P2.5 billion in fuel subsidies to transport operators and farmers to contain the broader impact of high fuel costs on the prices of basic goods and services.

“We’re not seeing any effect of the conflict on other countries where we get most of our (energy) imports,” he said.

“Unless it escalates into something that’s reaching some other countries… then I don’t think that’s a point of concern.” — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Philippines set to host ASEAN Business Advisory Council event

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THE ASEAN Business Advisory Council (BAC) Philippines will be hosting the first ASEAN-BAC Retreat next month, with the aim of redefining the council’s role in ASEAN integration.

“The retreat will also feature a high-level reception that will serve as the soft launch of the Philippines’ BAC Chairmanship in 2026,” ASEAN BAC Philippines said.

“It will bring together business leaders from across Southeast Asia, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and development partners — highlighting the Philippines’ whole-of-nation approach to driving ASEAN prosperity,” it added.

ASEAN-BAC Philippines Chair Jose Ma. A. Concepcion III said that the retreat will allow business leaders an opportunity for “a timely reset as we get ready to lead next year and turn ideas into action.”

“During our last chairmanship in 2017, our vision was “Prosperity for All.” In 2026, as ASEAN-BAC turns 25, we expand this vision to the whole of ASEAN, toward a future that is inclusive, resilient, innovative, and sustainable,” he added.

ASEAN-BAC Malaysia Head Tan Sri Nazir Razak said council members who were appointed by their respective heads of state or government will review their mandate.

“This is not just a meeting — it is a reset. In a world shaped by disruption and divergence, ASEAN-BAC must evolve to remain a credible and effective platform for the private sector,” he said.

“This first-ever retreat reflects our collective responsibility to strengthen our relevance and impact for the region,” he added.

The retreat will be facilitated by McKinsey & Co. to help guide the council “in sharpening its priorities and enhancing its roles in driving ASEAN’s economic integration and public-private cooperation.” — Justine Irish D. Tabile

The first global generation is forcing workplace reinvention

IN BRIEF:

​• Research indicates that 59% of young adults believe they should work for two to five organizations throughout their careers, while 19% feel they should work for six or more. Changing jobs is no longer seen as a negative but as a necessary step for career advancement.

​• Today’s youth desire employers who share their values and respect their personal time, reflecting a broader desire for careers that support stable lives.

​• Financial security is seen as a means to fulfilling life rather than an ultimate objective, prompting organizations to realign their strategies with the evolving values of young adults.

Today’s young adults are not just adapting; they are reimagining adulthood. A new EY global study, The First Global Generation reveals that 18-to-34-year-olds across 10 countries prioritize financial independence on their own terms. They embrace responsibility while rejecting outdated standards, redefining success as a holistic pursuit beyond just financial metrics.

As a result, executives must reevaluate long-held assumptions about their organizations. Here are five insights from the study for organizations to consider in preparing for the next generation of consumers, employees, and citizens.

THE FIRST TRULY GLOBAL GENERATION: CONNECTED, INFORMED, CULTURALLY ADAPTABLE
Unlike earlier generations, the youth today have been exposed to global culture and crises in real time, fostering unprecedented interconnection while still maintaining unique regional identities. Although not everyone engages with the same content, there is a shared tendency to seek answers on common social platforms.

Technology serves as a foundation for these shared global experiences, providing young people with a common digital language and experience that bridges cultural gaps. The widespread use of social media has intensified this effect, with 94% of young adults engaging with these platforms daily. However, this environment is not without its drawbacks; 44% of respondents globally expressed a desire to reduce their social media usage, particularly in countries like Brazil, Germany, and Sweden.

A report by Sven Group highlights that social media is the preferred source of entertainment, education, news, and social connection for Generation Z (born 1995-2012). YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram are their top platforms.

Understanding how technology influences today’s youth is essential for business leaders shaping the future. This insight will guide organizations in evolving their product and service strategies to cater to both global trends and local preferences.

PAST MILESTONES ARE IRRELEVANT
In 1935, when the Social Security Act was signed into law in the US, the official retirement age was 65, while the average life expectancy was just 60.7 years. Today, life expectancy is around 80.1 years. The Act was designed to support individuals who were largely expected to pass away before needing it. Similarly, in China, life expectancy has risen from 33 in 1960 to 79 today. The timelines of the past — how long we live, when we should stop working, and how we should approach retirement — have shifted from decades past, along with our extended lifetimes.

Young adults today, often referred to as the “Pragmatic Generation,” approach traditional milestones with skepticism and a global perspective. Instead of committing to a single company for life, research indicates that 59% of young adults believe they should work for two to five organizations throughout their careers, while 19% feel they should work for six or more. In many cultures, changing jobs is no longer seen as a negative but as a necessary step for career advancement.

According to a study cited by multi-platform media and events company HRM Asia, Gen Z employees in the Philippines seek purpose and prosperity. They prioritize financial security, family support, and societal impact, reflecting a blend of pragmatism and purpose-driven goals. Millennials, the generation preceding Gen Z, tend to prioritize interesting work and collegial environments, while Gen Z employees place greater emphasis on securing their financial future.

The study also revealed the collectivist nature of Filipino culture, with many Gen Z employees expressing a strong sense of duty to their families and a desire to make a positive impact on society through their work.

This shift signifies more than just a generational change; it is reshaping the very foundations of life. As boundaries blur, organizations must adapt their products, services, and employee value propositions to meet consumers where they are.

Companies looking to attract and retain customers can implement sustainability initiatives, as exemplified by a clothing brand that uses eco-friendly materials and ethical labor practices while showcasing their positive impact through marketing campaigns. Social responsibility is demonstrated by a food company that partners with local farmers and donates a portion of profits to community programs, sharing stories of positive community changes. To attract and retain employees, a tech startup promotes work-life balance through flexible working hours and remote options, with employee testimonials highlighting this support.

HEALTH AND RELATIONSHIPS OVER FINANCIAL SUCCESS
Young adults are placing greater emphasis on their physical and mental well-being, as well as their family relationships, rather than solely focusing on wealth and career advancement. A significant 51% of young people globally consider their mental and physical health the most important measure of future success, followed closely by family relationships at 45%, surpassing wealth (42%) and occupation (41%). This trend challenges long-held societal beliefs that equate success with financial gain and material possessions.

The 2024 AXA Mind Health Report reveals alarming rates of mental distress among young Filipino employees, particularly 18-24-year-olds, who are disproportionately affected by severe anxiety, stress, and depression compared to older age groups. Beyond flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options, flexible hours, and generous vacation policies, 38% of those surveyed highlight the need for mental healthcare days, or any programs that encourage them to take breaks, disconnect from work during non-work hours, and prioritize their well-being.

While financial concerns remain, today’s youth seek more than just a paycheck. They desire employers who share their values (69%) and respect their personal time (61%). This reflects a broader desire for careers that support stable lives rather than careers that dominate their lives.

As young adults’ definitions of success evolve, organizations must adjust their consumer and employee value propositions to resonate with the deeper meanings these individuals seek in life.

MONEY AS A MEANS, NOT AN END
In times of economic uncertainty, the pursuit of wealth is undergoing a transformation. For younger generations, financial security is increasingly viewed as a foundation for a fulfilling life rather than the ultimate goal. A striking 87% of young adults globally consider economic independence very or extremely important, with over half of the surveyed countries (Brazil, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, India, and China) rating this importance above 90%. Sweden stands out with only 58%, likely due to its robust social systems.

Despite this emphasis on financial security, many young people face challenges in achieving economic independence due to broader economic instability and heightened financial anxiety. In the US, young adults often experience what some describe as the “unattainability complex.” Similarly, in countries like China, South Korea, and Japan, many young adults view homeownership in desirable cities as an elusive dream unless they inherit property.

YOUNG ADULTS SEEKING BALANCE
A complex interplay of hopefulness and doubt has emerged. The data indicate a notable dichotomy: while 31% of youth worldwide feel very or extremely excited about their future lives at 50, slightly more (34%) harbor significant fears about what lies ahead.

Optimism is often linked to opportunities and a desire to improve the world, while pessimism tends to correlate with distrust, apathy, and risk aversion. As we navigate this intricate landscape, the future is more than just a destination; it reflects our collective beliefs shaped by the interplay of opportunity, culture, and geography.

Organizations must consider how their products and services can foster opportunity, hopefulness, and stability in these uncertain times.

SHAPING THE FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE
The first global generation is reimagining adulthood — and forcing businesses to reinvent themselves in the process. Shaping the future of an organization necessitates understanding the people driving it. As businesses navigate this transformative period in human history, the perspectives of younger generations provide valuable insights into societal shifts.

Organizations that dare to think differently and embrace the unknown will not only confront the future — but also create it.

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

 

Rossana A. Fajardo is the consulting leader of SGV & Co.

Congressman backs VP probe

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THE Office of the Ombudsman’s move to open a corruption probe into Vice-President (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio’s alleged misuse of public funds signals it found credible grounds in a House of Representatives report, a congressman said on Sunday.

The House public accountability panel, which last year investigated Ms. Duterte for alleged misuse of secret funds, plans on participating in the anti-graft body’s investigation, Manila Rep. Joel R. Chua, who heads the committee, said in a statement.

The Office of the Vice-President did not immediately reply to an e-mail seeking comment.

“Since the Ombudsman has effectively treated our committee report as the initiating complaint, we are prepared to fulfill our role as the complainant and ensure the process is based on truth, fairness and accountability,” he said.

The anti-graft body last week ordered Ms. Duterte and other officials respond to plunder, corruption, technical malversation and bribery cases that the House public accountability panel recommended to be filed against the Vice-President.

The House committee based the recommendations on its four-month investigation into the P625 million worth of secret funds allegedly misused by Ms. Duterte.

“The Ombudsman acted purely on the strength of our committee report. We have not yet even attached or submitted the supporting evidence,” said Mr. Chua, adding that they will file pieces of evidence that could help bolster the case against the Vice-President. “We want to make sure this is not just a speedy process — but a credible one.” — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Petron loses P32-M tax case

CTA.JUDICIARY.GOV.PH

THE Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) denied the P32.28-million tax refund claim filed by Petron Corporation, ruling that the oil firm failed to substantiate its entitlement to a refund of excise taxes it claimed to be erroneously paid on imported lubricating oils and additives sold to tax-exempt entities.

The 14-page decision of the tribunal’s third division, promulgated on June 17, found that Petron “utterly failed” to sufficiently substantiate its claim, particularly regarding the timely payment of taxes, the tax-exempt status of all its buyers, and proof of excise tax payments.

“Time and again, the Supreme Court has held the taxpayer-claimant has the burden of proving the legal and factual bases of its claim for tax credit or refund,” Justice Henry S. Angeles wrote in the ruling. “The evidence proffered falls short of establishing that the excise taxes in question were erroneously or illegally collected.”

According to the ruling, Petron failed to prove the dates of its payment. Excise taxes on imported articles are typically paid upon importation and prior to release from customs.

The two-year prescriptive period for refunds is calculated from the date of actual tax payment. Petron’s evidence for the earliest payment date (Jan. 7, 2020) was denied admission by the court due to Petron’s failure to mark and compare it with the originals.

The court noted that various Single Administrative Documents (SADs) and Statements of Settlement of Duties and Taxes (SSDTs) presented by Petron to substantiate its importations and tax payments were denied admission for failure to present the originals for comparison.

The court added that without these “essential documents,” it could not ascertain whether Petron indeed paid the excise taxes it sought to recover.

The company also failed to establish tax-exempt status for all buyers. While Petron claimed its sales were to tax-exempt entities, the tribunal found that only the tax exemption certificates for Petron Freeport Corporation were admitted into evidence.

Exemption certificates for Lewisberg Warehousing and Logistics, Inc. and TDK Philippines Corporation were also denied admission due to the non-presentation or non-submission of their original copies for comparison.

As a result, the portion of the claim related to these two entities, amounting to over P277,000 for 27,706 liters, was disallowed.

Petron filed a Petition for Review with the CTA seeking a refund of P32.28 million in excise taxes paid on imported lubricating oils and additives. The company claimed these products were subsequently sold to tax-exempt entities during the period from Jan. 1, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2020. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Isuzu opens Valenzuela City store

ISUZU Philippines Corp. and dealer partner Industrial and Transport Equipment, Inc. (INTECO) unveiled its newest dealership in Valenzuela City, marking a step in realizing the car company’s target of reaching 50 dealerships.

“This strategic move aims to accommodate growing demands in the National Capital Region (NCR) market, bringing the brand closer to its customer base in the Metro,” Isuzu Philippines said in a statement sent over the weekend.

“The new Valenzuela dealership strengthens Isuzu’s presence in a hub known for its robust economic activity and thriving industries that drive consistent demand for dependable commercial and light commercial vehicles,” it added.

Isuzu Philippines Executive Vice-President Yasuhiko Oyama said that the new dealership plays “a key role in expanding our reach and serving more customers in this vibrant part of NCR.”

Located along MacArthur Highway, the new dealership spans 1,955 square meters, with 140 square meters allotted to the showroom and 950 square meters allotted for the service area.

The Valenzuela branch is INTECO’s seventh dealership nationwide.

INTECO has also modernized its dealerships in Quezon Avenue, Pampanga, Dagupan, Urdaneta, Baguio, and EDSA Balintawak. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Army, OPAPRU team up to help ex-NPAs

COTABATO CITY — The Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) have partnered to expand cooperation in helping former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) secure amnesty from the government to hasten their reintegration into mainstream society.

More than 500 NPAs from far-flung towns in Regions X, XI, and XIII had surrendered in batches to units of the 10th ID since 2023.

Army officials told reporters on Sunday that Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. of OPAPRU assured in a dialogue on Thursday to help connect them to government agencies that can provide them education, livelihood, and socio-economic support needed to boost their productivity.

Officials of different peace-advocacy groups also participated in the dialogue, held at the 10th ID’s headquarters in Camp General Manuel T. Yan, Sr. in Mawab, Davao de Oro.

“The government’s peace process is something that we are doing our best to implement. What we are doing now shall continue moving forward,” Mr. Galvez told participants in the dialogue, among them local executives and former NPAs who are now officials of livelihood cooperatives.

Mr. Galvez committed to help them connect former NPA guerillas to the National Amnesty Commission where they can secure safe conduct passes for them to freely move around, without fear of arrest by the police and the military, while applying for amnesty that they need for them to have normal lives after fighting the government as communist insurgents. — John Felix M. Unson

Pacers, Thunder set to clash in Game Seven for NBA mastery

INDIANA PACERS  forward Pascal Siakam (43) dunks against Oklahoma City Thunder  forward Jalen Williams (8) during the third quarter of game six of the 2025 NBA Finals. — REUTERS/MADDIE MEYER-POOL PHOTO VIA IMAGN IMAGES

OKLAHOMA City Thunder star Jalen Williams said the thought of a Game 7 in the NBA Finals “makes the hair on your arm stand up a little bit.”

Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle called it “a time to celebrate.”

On Sunday night, the Thunder and Pacers will square off in Oklahoma City in a decisive game to end a back-and-forth series.

The Thunder are looking for their first title since moving to Oklahoma City in 2008. The franchise won the 1979 title in Seattle.

Indiana is looking for its first NBA championship, though the Pacers won three ABA titles, the most recent of which came in 1973.

This will be the 20th NBA Finals Game 7 in league history and the first since the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Golden State Warriors on the road in 2016.

“As you go on in your competitive life in sports, what you learn is that these moments are rare and trying to duplicate this kind of situation is something that you look to do in everyday life,” said Carlisle, who coached the Dallas Mavericks to the 2011 title. “It’s not easy to do that. I’m very much looking forward to Game 7.”

Home teams are 15-4 in the previous matchups.

“You’ve got to be able to weather the storm with those momentum-swinging plays, try to create momentum-stopping plays when you’re on the road,” Indiana star Tyrese Haliburton said.

The Pacers enter with momentum after Thursday’s 108-91 win in Game 6 in Indianapolis.

Haliburton was a big reason for that, with 14 points and five assists after a calf strain left him as a game-time decision.

Haliburton said he remained stiff and sore but said he was ready to go for Sunday’s game after playing just 23 minutes on Thursday.

Oklahoma City has yet to lose back-to-back games in the playoffs after dropping consecutive games just twice during the regular season.

The Thunder are 10-2 at home during the playoffs and have yet to lose the turnover battle at home.

In Game 6, Indiana forced 21 turnovers while committing just 11.

“The truth is that nothing else previous to this matters at all now,” Carlisle said. “We’re just down to one game and one opportunity. We’re really looking forward to it.”

Oklahoma City superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s Most Valuable Player, had a career-playoff-worst eight turnovers in Game 6.

“No matter how big the moment or the game, it always comes back to the same things,” he said. “… It always goes back to the things that we know we can control every night. When we do those things, we look like a pretty good team. When we don’t do those things, we look like a bad team.”

For the Thunder, it’ll be their second Game 7 in these playoffs.

Oklahoma City beat Denver 125-93 at home May 18 to win its second-round series.

While Williams said there are lessons to be taken from that game, particularly in handling the emotional swings, he also acknowledges the difference.

“You’re anxious going into it,” he said. “Honestly, it’s a little indescribable because I haven’t (played in a Finals Game 7). It’s hard to give a good answer because this Game 7 is going to be completely different from the last one we played in.”

While the Pacers haven’t played a Game 7 yet this postseason, they did beat the New York Knicks in Game 7 of last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals. — Reuters

TNT vs ROS kicks off Philippine Cup semifinal round

TNT TROPANG 5G — FACEBOOK.COM/PBAOFFICIAL

Games on Wednesday
(MOA Arena)
5 p.m. – TNT vs Rain or Shine (semis game 1)
7:30 p.m. – San Miguel vs Barangay Ginebra (semis game 1)

THE throne is vacant and there’s a great mix of contenders in the semifinal round, all with compelling motivation, gunning for it.

TNT continues its spirited chase for a rare grand slam in the PBA’s Season 49 wars, looking to annex the Philippine Cup trophy after conquering both the Governors’ and Commissioner’s Cup tournaments.

The flagship franchise of the MVP Group was in the same situation before in 2011 but just fell short of claiming the final jewel for the hat trick so expect the current team of coach Chot Reyes, injury woes and all, to move heaven and earth and follow it through this time.

Ranged against TNT are the Rain or Shine  (ROS) Elasto Painters, who are out to prove they belong. Yeng Guiao’s youth-laden crew showed promise in making the Final Four consistently, though unable to hurdle this stage in its first three tries. Toughened by this experience, ROS is intent on getting over the hump now.

TNT, ranked sixth in the playoffs, and ROS, seeded seventh, took identical routes in forging a third straight semis faceoff, beating higher-ranked opponents Magnolia (No. 3) and NLEX (No. 2) twice in the quarterfinals.

Pitted in the other side of the Last-4 are top seed San Miguel Beermen (SMB) and No. 4 Barangay Ginebra. The twice-to-beat Beermen dethroned No. 8 Meralco with a quick quarterfinal dispatching while the Gin Kings made shortwork of No. 5 Converge in setting up a rematch of their semis confrontation in the season-opening Governors’ Cup.

The sister teams but fierce rivals are the two winningest clubs in the league with 29 and 15 championships, respectively, but they’ve been on a drought of late.

The Beermen haven’t tasted triumph since the Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup in early 2024 and their last finals appearance, in the same season’s All-Filipino, ended in a 2-4 defeat at the hands of first-time champ Meralco.

SMB then infamously bungled its Commissioner’s Cup title-repeat bid this season as it failed to get past the preliminaries. But Leo Austria’s troops are back with vengeance in the season-ending conference, raring to bring back the franchise’s winning tradition.

Redemption is what fuels the Gin Kings, who have been to the Last Dance thrice in the last five conferences but were thwarted each time by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson-bannered TNT.

And after back-to-back bridesmaid finishes to start this season, Tim Cone’s charges are determined more than ever to hit paydirt at last.

The explosive semifinal duels kick off on Wednesday at the MOA Arena with TNT and ROS disputing the head start in the race-to-four at 5 p.m. and SMB and Ginebra eyeing first blood at 7:30 p.m. — Olmin Leyba

In-form Carlos Alcaraz reaches Queen’s final; Lehecka downs Draper

CARLOS ALCARAZ in action on day thirteen of the HSBC Championships. — PA VIA REUTERS

LONDON — Carlos Alcaraz swept past fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut on Saturday to stretch his winning streak and set up a Queen’s Club final against Czech Jiri Lehecka.

Top seed Alcaraz, 22, had too much firepower for his 37-year-old opponent during a 6-4, 6-4 victory, his 17th successive win and the 250th of his career.

British fans had hoped to witness a final showdown between Alcaraz and home favorite Jack Draper but Lehecka ripped up that script with superb 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 defeat of the second seed.

Lehecka, 23, is the first Czech man to reach a top level grasscourt final for 15 years.

“It means a lot. You don’t meet a player like Jack every day, he’s an amazing competitor,” Lehecka said.

Alcaraz, Queen’s champion in 2023, was stretched to the absolute limit against compatriot Jaume Munar earlier in the week during a tussle lasting more than three hours.

But he was more comfortable against Bautista Agut, who provided stubborn resistance but never really looked like springing an upset on a sultry afternoon in west London.

An early break of serve in each set proved sufficient for Alcaraz, who reached his fifth final in a row.

“I’m feeling I’m playing great tennis and feeling more comfortable,” said Alcaraz, who won his fifth Grand Slam title this month at the French Open.

“I love stepping on court and love playing with a smile on my face. That’s why I’m making good results.”

LEHECKA SILENCES CROWD
Earlier, world number 30 Lehecka silenced the crowd by beating Draper, whose run to the semi-finals means he will be seeded fourth at Wimbledon which starts on June 30.

Second seed Draper, bidding to follow in the footsteps of five-times Queen’s champion Andy Murray, dropped his opening service game and Lehecka barely a put a foot wrong as he took the first set in clinical fashion.

Left-hander Draper saved a break point early in the second set and broke fellow 23-year-old Lehecka’s serve for the first time in the 10th game to level the match.

Both players were rock solid on serve in the decider with Lehecka having the first chance of a break at 4-4 but Draper survived to pile the pressure on his opponent.

Lehecka did not flinch, though, and broke serve at 5-5 with two stunning passing shots, one a forehand and then a backhand, to leave Draper smashing his racket in rage against a court-side electronic advertising board and receiving a code violation.

Lehecka still needed to hold his serve to reach the final and he did so in style, roaring his delight after clinching his first victory against a top-10 player since beating Alcaraz in Doha in February.

The last Czech man to reach a top-level grasscourt final was Tomas Berdych at Wimbledon in 2010 and the last to do so at Queen’s was Ivan Lendl in 1990.

“I’m proud of the way I went about things, considering, but it’s tough,” Draper said. “My main goal is to go into Wimbledon as prepared as possible and as fresh as possible.” — Reuters

Minjee Lee takes strong lead with second impressive round at KPMG Women’s PGA Championship

HIGHER scores have been on full display at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in Frisco, Texas. That makes Minjee Lee’s performance so far even more impressive.

The Australia native fired a 3-under-par 69 on Saturday, her second round under par, to take a commanding four-stroke lead going into the final round.

Just five rounds total at the tournament have been in the 60s, and Lee has owned two of them.

“I just try to stay patient out there,” Lee said. “You can’t get ahead of yourself, especially in these conditions. It’s just only getting harder and harder just with I think pressure of a major championship, and also just the course just demands so much from you.”

The 10-time LPGA Tour champion is pursuing her third major title, having previously won the 2022 US Women’s Open and the 2021 Amundi Evian Championship.

“I know what it takes to win and I know just kind of what to feel and what to expect now that I have two under my belt,” Lee said. “So, yeah I just think the experience that I’ve had is really going to help me hopefully get over the line tomorrow.”

Lee avoided the ever-present bogey, which has haunted most of the golfers on this course, and instead grabbed three birdies, on Holes 9, 14 and 15 to distance herself from the competition.

That came on the heels of an opening round 69, which featured birdies on Holes 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 14 and 15.

The Fields Ranch East course at PGA Frisco was especially unkind on Saturday to World No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul, who is pursuing her first major, and who enjoyed a three-stroke lead coming into the weekend.

The 22-year-old from Thailand suffered six bogeys while scoring two birdies to shoot a 4-over 76 and fall from 6 under to 2 under.

Despite that disastrous round, she still sits in a better position than everyone else as one of two golfers currently under par, and she holds a three-shot lead on the rest of the field.

The three golfers in the best position to make a potential run on the two leaders on Sunday sit in a tie for third at 1 over. South Korea’s Hye-Jin Choi had the best round of the three (72), but Japan’s Miyu Yamashita (73) and American Lexi Thompson (75) are technically still in the hunt.

Thompson shook off a triple bogey on her first hole and a bogey to follow to shoot 1-under golf the rest of the round.

“Yeah, definitely proud of how I just stayed strong,” Thompson said. “It was kind of a nightmare of a start, but I knew coming into the day it was going to play very difficult. I don’t know really what happened on my first hole, but happy I got it out of the way and stayed positive out there and just made pars and a few birdies here and there.”

World No. 1 Nelly Korda (72) is tied with three others in sixth place at 2-over-par 218. Yealimi Noh (74), Ireland’s Leona Maguire (72) and Japan’s Chisato Iwai (75) are the others. — Reuters

NBA Finals G7

When it comes to the National Basketball Association, there’s nothing like Game Seven of the Finals. One match for all the marbles, with legacy on the line. Everything the Thunder and Pacers have worked for all season comes down to today’s affair. No more excuses, no more “next game.” Today’s game IS the game, when pressure goes through the roof and every single possession matters. Every shot feels like a momentum changer. Fans at the Paycom Center or in the comfort of their homes will be holding their breath with each bounce of the ball.

Avid followers of the pro scene know the feeling only too well, never mind that they’ve experienced it just thrice in the last one and a half decades. After all, Game Sevens have invariably met — even exceeded — expectations. Who doesn’t remember LeBron James’ block in 2016? Or Ray Allen’s three in 2013? Or Kobe Bryant’s redemption through his struggles in 2010? Game Sevens don’t merely have highlights; they’re made from — and made up of — defining moments. Players either rise to the occasion or fade under the klieg lights. They either bask in glory or wallow in disappointment.

Needless to say, the same holds true for today’s Game Seven. It’s been a back-and-forth battle between the Thunder and Pacers, with each delivering swings and surprises even though they know the other inside and out by now. There are no tricks left; execution is key. Stars have shone brightly, role players have stepped up, and coaches have pulled out all the stops. When the ball is thrown for tipoff, however, none of what has already happened matters. It’s about who wants everything more in the here and now.

Simply put, Game Sevens are different. They test everything — skill, stamina, focus, even nerves. The biggest plays often come from the most unexpected heroes, with the margin between distinction and distress razor-thin at best. And there are no safety nets; one side walks away with the Larry O’Brien Trophy, the other with nothing but What Could Have Beens. Which is to say fans are the real winners — blessed to see the best and the brightest thrive in rarefied air.

 

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

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