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Liverpool closes gap on Man City; Chelsea thrashes Burnley

BURNLEY, England — Liverpool rode their luck in a 1-0 victory over West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday to turn up the heat on leaders Manchester City, who face a derby showdown on Sunday.

Sadio Mane’s 12th league goal of the season, tucked away midway through the first half, proved just about enough to secure the win as Liverpool narrowed City’s lead at the top to three points with both teams having 11 games left to play.

Earlier, Chelsea put aside their ownership issues to solidify their grip on third place with a 4-0 win at Burnley.

Leeds United slipped further into trouble with a 1-0 loss at Leicester City under new manager Jesse Marsch, but Newcastle United’s resurgence continued with a 2-1 home win against Brighton & Hove Albion to move further away from trouble.

Ryan Fraser and Fabian Schar scored in the space of two minutes for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side who then dug deep to extend their unbeaten run to eight games after Lewis Dunk pulled one back for Brighton in the 55th minute.

Brentford dealt a hammer blow to bottom side Norwich City’s hopes of escaping the drop zone and eased their own fears as Ivan Toney scored a hat trick in a 3-1 victory at Carrow Road.

Aston Villa’s Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho scored one goal and made another as they thrashed visiting Southampton 4-0, while Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha created the opener and netted a penalty in a 2-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Liverpool’s seventh successive league victory and 12th in all competitions was hard-earned. Mane poked in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s volleyed cross after 27 minutes and the hosts had plenty of chances to give themselves some breathing space.

But West Ham, who remain fifth, squandered gild-edged chances as Pablo Fornals messed up an attempted lob after being played through, Manuel Lanzini sliced over the bar and Michail Antonio failed to convert a clear chance. Chelsea, whose Russian owner Roman Abramovich put the club up for sale this week amid calls for sanctions against him following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, scored four times after the break at Turf Moor.

Burnley wasted a series of first half chances, but fell to pieces after Reece James opened the scoring in the 47th minute.

German forward Kai Havertz headed home a Christian Pulisic cross and then converted a James cross for his second before American Pulisic completed the scoring.

Chelsea is third on 53 points, 13 behind Manchester City, while third-bottom Burnley remain on 21, a point off Everton in the safety zone, but having played two more games. Basement side Norwich have 17 points after a desperately disappointing defeat by Brentford. Watford, who host sixth-placed Arsenal on Sunday, are on 19 points. — Reuters

Stunning Delort winner sees Nice to victory over PSG in Ligue 1

NICE, France — Substitute Andy Delort scored a brilliant winner two minutes from time as Nice shocked runaway Ligue 1 leaders Paris St.-Germain (PSG) with a 1-0 victory at the Allianz Riviera on Saturday.

Neymar lost possession in the Nice half and the home side broke forward through Calvin Stengs, whose deep cross to the back post was met on the half-volley by Delort as he arrowed his shot into the top corner of the net.

The result meant PSG’s lead at the top of the table was cut to 13 points as they remain on 62 from 27 matches, while Nice climbed into second with 49 points from the same number of matches.

It was a magical moment to win the game for Delort and ensured there would not be a third successive goalless draw between the sides this season.

But overall, the game was a disappointing spectacle given the attacking quality on both sides, though PSG were without leading scorer Kylian Mbappé, missing through suspension.

Nice showed caution in attack, but had a chance early in the second half when defender Dante met Justin Kluivert’s corner, but his powerful header was straight at PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

Angel Di Maria had a couple of difficult opportunities for the visitors, but Lionel Messi and Neymar had quiet evenings by their standards.

That could be because they now turn their attention to Wednesday’s Champions League last 16 second leg fixture at Real Madrid. The French side lead 1-0 from the first game.

Earlier on Sunday, Lens’ hopes of playing European football next season were dealt a blow when they lost 1-0 at home to Brest, who weathered a storm to claim the win.

Brest striker Franck Honorat scored his ninth Ligue 1 goal of the season in the 57th minute as he glided between three Lens defenders and beat Jean-Louis Leca in the home goal.

Lens had numerous opportunities before and after that, but failed to find the back of the net. — Reuters

Real Madrid recovers to thrash Real Sociedad 4-1

MADRID — Real Madrid fought back to earn a 4-1 home win against Real Sociedad that extended their lead at the top of LaLiga to eight points ahead of second-placed Sevilla on Saturday.

Real dominated the game, but they fell behind after 10 minutes to a penalty converted by Mikel Oyarzabal after Dani Carvajal tripped David Silva.

Teenager Eduardo Camavinga came to the rescue five minutes before half time, rifling home the equalizer from 25 meters with an unstoppable left-footer that went in off the post.

Roared on at a nearly sold-out Santiago Bernabeu, Luka Modric then put the hosts ahead with another long-range shot that flew into the top corner of Alex Remiro’s goal.

Karim Benzema, who had two goals chalked off by the video assistant referee for offside, finally scored in the 76th minute with a penalty after VAR spotted a foul on Vinicius, Jr.

Substitute Marco Asensio wrapped up the win with a close-range strike three minutes later.

Ahead of Wednesday’s last-16 Champions League second-leg clash at home to Paris St.-Germain (PSG), which Real Madrid trails 1-0, Los Blancos left their recent questionable performances behind them to put on a show against sixth-placed Real Sociedad.

The Basque side, who was top in the first-quarter of the season before being leapfrogged by Real Madrid, has 44 points from 27 games and is still in contention for a top four spot.

The LaLiga leaders took advantage of Sevilla’s disappointing 0-0 draw at lowly Alaves on Friday and have moved to 63 points against the 55 of their closest contender.

“This is the intensity that we need to have on Wednesday,” coach Carlo Ancelotti told a news conference.

“We can replicate today’s game against PSG. It’s a performance that inspires and give us a lot of energy and confidence to fight back from the 1-0 loss that we suffered in the first leg at Paris.”

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who will miss the PSG game due to suspension, thinks home advantage will be the key to reaching the quarterfinals.

“Today, we showed that we can fight back and win against a great opponent. We will need to do it again on Wednesday and with fans on our side in our stadium, everything is possible,” he told reporters. — Reuters

Golf: Chun holds single-shot lead ahead of final round at Sentosa

SINGAPORE — Chun In-gee will take a one-shot lead over fellow South Koreans Lee Jeong-eun and Ko Jin-young into Sunday’s final round of the HSBC Women’s World Championship following a six-under par third round at Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club on Saturday.

The unflappable Chun moved to 12-under after 56 holes to lead from her compatriots as a bogey-free round took her to the top of the leaderboard.

The 27-year-old two-time major winner claimed sole possession of top spot with a birdie on the par-three 15th hole on the way to completing the third round in 66 strokes.

World number one Ko, who was tied for the lead going after Friday’s second round, hit a 69 to remain in contention while Lee’s 65 was the best round of the day.

Lee made a blistering start to her day, draining a putt in excess of 20 feet at the fourth as she picked up five shots in the opening seven holes to claim a share of the lead.

She then chipped in for an eagle at the par-five 10th to establish herself among the frontrunners.

Overnight co-leader Amy Yang put the ball in the water at the 16th to register a double-bogey seven, capping a frustrating round that leaves her three shots behind Chun and in a tie for fourth alongside Danielle Kang and Atthaya Thitikul.

Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit, leader at the end of Thursday’s first round, set off at a blistering pace early in the day and moved into a share of first on the 13th with the sixth birdie of her round.

But last year’s LPGA Rookie of the Year saw her challenge falter when a tee shot into the water at the 15th resulted in a double bogey before a triple bogey six at the 17th saw her drop back to four-under alongside two-time winner Park In-bee. — Reuters

France, United States secure Davis Cup Finals spots

FRANCE and the United States breezed into the Davis Cup Finals with dominant wins on Saturday, while Spain survived an attempted comeback from Romania to win their qualifying tie.

France, who was 2-0 up courtesy of Arthur Rinderknech and Adrian Mannarino, faced little resistance from Ecuador as wins for Benjamin Bonzi and the doubles pair of Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicholas Mahut secured victory for the 10-times champions.

“It’s never easy to play a team where you’re the favorite, but we respected our opponents a lot and that’s why we managed to win,” Herbert said.

In their home tie in Reno, Nevada, Jack Sock and Rajeev Ram beat Colombia’s Juan-Sebastian Cabal and Nicolas Barrientos 6-3, 6-4 in their doubles clash to give the US a 3-0 win in their best-of-five qualifier.

Roberto Bautista Agut won his second singles rubber to help Spain, who are without 21-times major winner Rafa Nadal, clinch their tie against Romania and seal a place in the Finals.

Romania, who was trailing 2-0 after two defeats on the opening day, gave themselves a glimmer of hope when doubles pair Marius Copil and Horia Tecau won to make it 2-1.

However, world number 261 Copil was unable to replicate his doubles success in his singles match with Bautista Agut, losing 6-2, 6-3 in an hour 28 minutes to relinquish the tie.

“I think it was a great day. Marius played some really good points, he was mixing up the game, he was playing aggressive, he was serving well,” Bautista Agut said.

“I’m very happy I could win the match in two good sets and give the point to my team. We are qualified and we are all happy.”

The Netherlands and Argentina also booked their places in the Finals with comfortable 4-0 wins over Canada and the Czech Republic respectively in their home ties.

Earlier on Saturday, Thanasi Kokkinakis won a deciding singles rubber as Australia edged past Hungary, while South Korea rode on a couple of impressive performances from Kwon Soon-woo to beat Austria.

The 12 winning teams will join Croatia, who secured automatic qualification for the 2022 Finals as last year’s finalists, and wild cards Serbia and Britain.

Russia’s title defense is uncertain after governing body International Tennis Federation (ITF) suspended the memberships of Russia and Belarus and withdrew their entries from team competitions following the invasion of Ukraine. — Reuters

Lakers topple Warriors behind LeBron James’ 56 points

LEBRON James capped a season-best, 56-point performance with a dunk during a late 8-0 run as the Los Angeles Lakers survived a frantic finish to outlast the visiting Golden State Warriors 124-116 on Saturday night.

The points were the most James has scored as a member of the Lakers, while his 50-point game was the 13th of his career. His previous high since joining Los Angeles had been 51 points at Miami in 2018.

Despite James’ brilliance, the Lakers found themselves down 112-111 after a Jonathan Kuminga dunk with 3:47 to go.

Carmelo Anthony put the hosts on top for good on a three-point play 18 seconds later, after which Malik Monk drilled a 3-pointer and James turned a Monk steal into a dunk that opened a 119-112 advantage with just 2:10 remaining.

Seeking to end a season-worst, three-game losing streak, the Warriors hung within 119-116 on a Stephen Curry layup with 1:06 to go.

They potentially had a chance to draw even after Russell Westbrook misfired on a jumper with 45.2 seconds left. But Golden State failed to secure the rebound, Austin Reaves grabbed the board and Anthony bombed in a 3-pointer with 34.3 seconds remaining, securing the win.

In matching the third-highest scoring game of his career, James shot 19-for-31 from the field and 6-for-11 on 3-pointers. He was even hot at the free-throw line, finishing 12-for-13, and also found time for a game-high-tying 10 rebounds.

James’ career-high is 61 points for Miami against the Charlotte Hornets in 2014.

Westbrook finished with 20 points for the Lakers, who were coming off a 21-point shellacking at the hands of the rival Clippers two nights earlier. Anthony totaled 14 points, Monk 12 and Reaves 10.

The Lakers won the game at the foul line, finishing 18 for 21. Meanwhile, the Warriors missed 10 of their 19 tries.

Curry had 30 points for Golden State, which has lost eight of its last 10 games to fall into third place in the Western Conference for the first time this season. Curry hit four of his nine 3-point attempts and 13 of 22 shots overall.

Otto Porter, Jr. had a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double for the Warriors, while Jordan Poole went for 23 points, Kuminga 18 and Andrew Wiggins 14.

Klay Thompson was held to seven points on 3-for-13 shooting for Golden State, which lost despite shooting 50%. The Lakers finished at 49%. — Reuters

Holding the fort

By all accounts, LeBron James is having a heck of a season. His traditional and advanced numbers are by far his best since he joined the Lakers in 2018. And he’s burning rubber at a rate last seen when he was still with the Cavaliers. Forget that he’s 37 — or, rather, an old 37, given the miles on his odometer. He doesn’t mind; in fact, he relishes the challenge, even if a cacophony of injuries have dented his reputation as an iron man who can be counted on to produce on the court night in and night out. There’s just one problem, though: His exertions haven’t translated to wins.

Considering how much influence James has wielded behind the scenes, the Lakers’ current plight — ninth in Western Conference standings and embarrassed owners of a swoon that had them absorbing 11 of the last 14 games prior to yesterday’s homestand — cannot, but partly be attributed to him. He was the one who pushed for the trade that gutted the roster of the purple and gold in order to bring polarizing Russell Westbrook to the fold. He had grand intentions, no doubt buoyed by the prospect of adding a former Most Valuable Player awardee to the mix. Unfortunately, the results have been nothing short of disappointing, and for predictable reasons.

The cliché about the bird in the hand beating the two in the bush most certainly applies to the Lakers. Had they not been blinded by intriguing possibilities more fit for fantasy hoops, they would have done well to surround James with shooters, a tried-and-tested formula that maximizes his otherworldly skills as a playmaker. Instead, they’re stuck with a virtual fugazi who needs the ball to thrive, if inefficiently. And all and sundry know in whose hands the ball should be as much as possible. In other words, the prized acquisition has proven to be an unnecessary spare tire at best.

That said, James has been leaving nothing in the tank whenever he shows up, if for no other reason than because his best is required for the Lakers to at least have a chance to win. With 2020 championship stalwart Anthony Davis sidelined indefinitely and Westbrook a bust (also indefinitely), nothing less than a showcase of his talents, fortitude, and no small measure of luck will do. Yesterday, for instance, he needed to go in beast mode to upend the heavily favored Warriors. And, at the buzzer, his line of 56 (on 31 shots), 10, three, and one said it all.

How long James can continue on overdrive, only he knows. He has brushed off suggestions that he shut down his season, insisting that there is more than enough time for the Lakers to recover. Perhaps he’s right. Perhaps Davis is able to return and they make a deep run after surviving the play-in tournament. Until then, he’s determined to hold the fort — his way of owning up to the past, and his way of owning the future.

 

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.

Supermarket industry warns of rising prices due to higher materials costs

PHOTO BY BERNARD HERMANT

By Revin Mikhael D. Ochave, Reporter

THE supermarket industry said prices of many goods started rising this month in response to higher fuel prices, and advised consumers to explore substitutes for their usual favorite brands.

Steven T. Cua, Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association president, said via mobile phone that the prices of some grocery items have increased at the beginning of March.

“Because of unceasing and huge oil price increases, the increase in price has accelerated. Prices of basic necessities and prime commodities (increased) around 3% to 6%. For nonessentials, as high as 8% to 15%,” Mr. Cua said.

According to Mr. Cua, the more expensive goods include powdered milk, canned meat, canned fish, fresh milk, biscuits, toothpaste, lotion, children’s formula, liquor, most imported items, bread spreads, and condiments.

Mr. Cua advised consumers to shift to smaller sizes of the same product or alternative brands, and to take advantage of items on sale.

“Consumers can also shop during lean hours, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. even on weekends, to have more time to check on prices and labels. For fresh produce, shop early in the mornings so price-off items have not been snatched away yet,” Mr. Cua said.  

Since the start of the year, the prices of gasoline, diesel, and kerosene have risen by P9.65, P11.65, and P10.30 per liter, respectively.

Trade Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo told BusinessWorld that the DTI has received requests to adjust the prices of basic goods. However, Ms. Castelo said the reason for the proposed increase is not directly related to high fuel prices. 

“We have (received requests), but not due directly to fuel prices,” Ms. Castelo said in a mobile phone message.

On Jan. 27, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued a new suggested retail price list for basic and prime commodities, which reflected higher prices for 73 stock keeping units (SKUs) out of 216 SKUs.

Some of these products include bottled water, processed canned meat and canned beef, instant noodles, salt, and canned sardines. According to the DTI, the increase was due to the increase in the global prices of raw materials and materials used in packaging.

Duterte nuclear shift seen as admission of failure to achieve energy security

REUTERS

THE government’s decision to incorporate nuclear power into the energy mix points to the government’s failure to achieve energy security via building coal-fired plants and other power facilities running on fossil fuels, a sustainability think tank said.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s signing of an executive order (EO) authorizing a nuclear energy policy “makes no sense (because) the energy the government is now entertaining as (a) solution is one that will again put the lives of Filipino communities at risk. The entry of nuclear facilities and our vulnerability to calamities and disasters can easily lead to accidents,” CEED Executive Director Gerry C. Arances said in a statement.

The EO is “a clear admission that decades of coal and other fossil fuels did not bring us energy security,” he said.

On Thursday, Mr. Duterte signed EO 164, adopting a national position for nuclear energy, a go signal for the government to begin exploring nuclear energy as a power source, more than a year after an interagency body submitted its recommendation.

 Mr. Arances also said the move is untimely as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has revealed how it can be bad for the country to rely on imported fuel, a scenario which also applies to nuclear energy.

He added that the prices of plutonium and uranium are likely to rise.

“It’s not wise to turn our energy sector more vulnerable than it already is to global shocks when we have an abundant supply of renewable energy just waiting to be developed,” he said.

Since its release, the EO has had a mixed reception, raising the prospect that the final decision to adopt nuclear energy has been kicked down the road to the next government. — Marielle C. Lucenio

Delayed impact expected from economic liberalization bills

BW FILE PHOTO

THE BENEFITS of economic reforms such as amendments to the Foreign Investment Act, Retail Trade Liberalization Act, and Public Service Act will not be immediately felt, an economist said.

University of Asia and the Pacific Senior Economist Cid L. Terosa said in an e-mail interview with BusinessWorld that other conditions need to be in place before the economic reforms gain traction.

“These conditions include the following: strong economy with growth potential; excellent transport, physical infrastructure, and business support conditions; pro-investment political leadership; and local government’s capability to facilitate investment and ensure smooth and easy implementation of investments,” Mr. Terosa said.

On March 2, President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11647 which amended the Foreign Investments Act. He also signed Republic Act No. 11595 on Dec. 10, which amended the Retail Trade Liberalization Act.

A measure seeking to amend the Public Service Act is awaiting Mr. Duterte’s signature.

The three measures have been pushed by the government in a bid to ease restrictions and boost foreign investment to help drive the economic recovery.

According to Mr. Terosa, potential investors will be cautious in making investments due to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

“Investors will keep their cards close to their chest and refrain from making risky moves. Hence, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine will contribute to a slow and muted flow of investments around the world,” Mr. Terosa said.

“Developing countries like the Philippines will find it challenging to entice foreign investment with a war raging,” he added.

Foundation for Economic Freedom President Calixto V. Chikiamco said in a mobile phone message that amendments to the Public Service Act will have the biggest impact of the liberalization measures once signed by Mr. Duterte.

“The biggest impact will be felt when the Public Service Act amendment is passed into law. Big foreign telco and transport players are already indicating a desire to invest in the Philippines. The impact will be immediate. All three laws signal the government’s plan of boosting foreign investment as a driver of economic growth,” Mr. Chikiamco said.

“At the very least, existing players will brace for future competition and invest more and innovate to retain customers. Economists call this contestability, the very threat of competition will force existing players to improve their products and services,” he added.

Mr. Chikiamco added that the economic reforms will help the economy grow.

“These three laws are meant to increase investments, provide more competition, facilitate technology transfer, and make the country more competitive internationally,” Mr. Chikiamco said.

Joseph F. Purugganan, Trade Justice Pilipinas co-convenor, said in a statement that the government should prioritize improving local businesses instead of asking foreign investors to come in via liberalization.

“Failing to push for amendments to the Constitution to remove restrictions to foreign ownership and participation, President Duterte and the proponents of the law have instead adopted this piecemeal approach,” Mr. Purugganan said.

“This… is tantamount to death by a thousand cuts for micro, small and medium sized enterprises, and the workers dependent on these companies,” he added.

Under the amended Retail Trade Liberalization Act, the minimum paid-up capital requirement for foreign companies interested in investing in the Philippines was reduced to P25 million from P125 million. It also reduced the minimum investment per store to P10 million.

The amended Foreign Investment Act permits foreign investors to own up to 100% of domestic companies. It also allows foreign investors to own small and medium-sized enterprises with a minimum paid-up capital of less than P5 million as long as Filipino citizens make up a majority of the staff.

Once signed, the measure seeking to amend the Public Service Act will allow 100% foreign ownership in telecommunications, airlines, and railways. The 1987 Constitution currently caps at 40% foreign ownership in industries classified as public utilities, including many forms of public transport and the distribution of electricity. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave 

Power rates headed upward due to more expensive coal

BW FILE PHOTO

POWER GENERATORS expect higher coal and fuel prices driving power rates upward, after the price of thermal coal hit $446 per ton on March 3, the Department of Energy (DoE) said after consultations with the industry.

In a statement on Sunday, the DoE said it met with power generators to seek ways to address the impact of higher costs.

“According to the Philippine Independent Power Producers Association (PIPPA), their initial estimates indicate that the price of fuel may (drive rates to) P9/kWh, (after) the price of coal (on March 3 hit) $446 per ton,” the DoE said.

PIPPA members include SMC Global Power Holdings Corp.; Aboitiz Power Corp.; Semirara Mining and Power Corp.; First Gen Corp.; Quezon Power Philippines Ltd. Co.; AC Energy Corp.; TeaM Energy Corp.; Filinvest Development Corp.; and Meralco PowerGen Corp.

The industry has recommended a suspension of the secondary price cap on the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market; staggered fuel price increases; suspending the value-added tax (VAT) and excise taxes on coal and oil; and relaxing the 30-day coal inventory requirement for generation companies to better manage their scheduling of coal deliveries.

The DoE told PIPPA it will bring the VAT and excise tax matter before the government’s economic managers at the National Economic and Development Authority-Economic Development Committee meeting on Monday.

Pump prices increased for a ninth consecutive time last week: 90 centavos per liter for gasoline; 80 centavos for diesel; and 75 centavos for kerosene.

Since the start of the year gasoline, diesel, and kerosene prices per liter have risen by P9.65, P11.65, and P10.30, respectively.

Fuel prices are expected to increase on Tuesday by P5.35-P5.50 for diesel and P3.60-P3.75 for gasoline. — Marielle C. Lucenio

Onion production gets additional P94.6M in gov’t support

PHILSTAR

AN ADDITIONAL P94.6 million has been allocated to support the onion industry, with investment to include planting materials, fertilizer, storage facilities, and equipment, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

“The amount will be mainly used to procure planting materials of red and yellow onion varieties, as well as organic and inorganic fertilizer, which will be distributed to major onion-growing provinces,” the DA said in a statement.

Domestic price producers have been subjected to price pressures due to competition from imported onions.

Following consultations with onion farmers in Nueva Ecija and Mindoro, the DA said it will also assist in marketing their produce, establish post-harvest and cold storage facilities, and regulate imports.

“We have been addressing the issue of space and storage since 2018 to allow our farmers to temporarily tuck away their surplus,” Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said.

In 2021, onion production declined by 11,000 metric tons (MT), according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

In the third quarter of 2021, Ilocos Region topped the regions with production of 8.04 MT, accounting for 61.2% of national output. This was followed by Soccsksargen with an 18.3% share and Cagayan Valley with 13.7%.

Some P31.97 million has been allocated for the mechanization of the industry, which will cover the acquisition of hauling trucks, tractors, hand tractors, and seeders, among others.

Another P3.7 million will go to the construction of irrigation systems in various onion-producing areas. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson