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US IPEF plan consistent with PHL priorities, DTI says 

REUTERS

THE US initiative to re-engage economically in the region, known as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), is consistent with the Philippines’ desire to promote inclusive growth and quality job creation, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

IPEF, widely viewed as a counter to the gains made by China in the region, was announced in Tokyo on Monday by US President Joe Biden.

Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez attended the virtual IPEF launch and delivered a message on behalf of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who called IPEF aligned with Philippine economic and development priorities.

IPEF participants, apart from the US, are Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

“The broad themes of the IPEF are generally aligned with the Philippines’ economic and development priorities; advancing resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, and competitiveness are consistent with the Philippines’ interests and development objectives,” Mr. Lopez said.  

“We affirm the importance of promoting emerging areas in trade, technology, and digital economy. The IPEF’s pillars on supply chain resiliency, clean energy, decarbonization, and infrastructure are consistent with the joint vision statements for a 21st century US-Philippines partnership,” he added.

Mr. Lopez said the Philippines is looking forward to the greater participation of other countries, particularly those belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

ASEAN countries that have not signed up to IPEF are Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.

“We welcome the US’ assurance of support for ASEAN member states in pursuing IPEF initiatives. Today›s launch is only the beginning of this conversation. Let us then continue to collaborate and work together towards our shared goals for the region,” Mr. Lopez said.

University of Asia and the Pacific Senior Economist Cid L. Terosa said in an e-mail interview that Philippine participation in IPEF is critical.

“The pillars of the IPEF framework are crucial to the future economic growth and economic development of the country. In particular, supply chain resilience and trade are keys to greater productivity while clean energy and decarbonization as well as tax and anti-corruption are essential for long-run sustainable inclusive economic growth,” Mr. Terosa said.

Mr. Terosa does not expect a rift to develop between the Philippines and major trading partner China as a result.

“The Philippines is still a (prospective) member of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) which includes China. It is more important to clearly define the extent and limits of our participation in the IPEF and other trade frameworks to avoid squabbles with other countries,” Mr. Terosa said.  

RCEP involves Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and the 10 members of the ASEAN.

India was supposed to join RCEP but opted out, citing the negative effect of the trade deal on its farmers and workers.

Mr. Terosa added that the IPEF framework implies that the Philippines will benefit from stronger supply chain networks, a more targeted focus on the environmental implications of economic and business activities, and greater attention to current trade-related issues involving the digital economy, emerging technology, labor rules, transparency, and regulatory practices.

“IPEF’s focus on custom-made economic integration is appealing since it recognizes the unique conditions and structural characteristics of participating economies. I believe that the Philippines would benefit more from this,” Mr. Terosa said.

However, Mr. Terosa said that the Philippines should evaluate its preparedness to participate in the agreements to be drafted under IPEF.

“The country needs to build sufficient technical, technological, and institutional capabilities in order to maximize benefits from participation in the IPEF,” Mr. Terosa said.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said that the participation in IPEF will expand economic cooperation between the Philippines and the US.

“IPEF would create more value-added since this would be moving in the direction of a possible FTA and other economic cooperation with the US, which is the world’s largest economy, one of the country’s biggest trading partners and sources of foreign investment,” he added. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

MORE Electric franchise area expansion bill hurdles Senate on second reading

THE SENATE on Monday approved on second reading a bill expanding the franchise area of MORE Electric and Power Corp. in Iloilo.

House Bill 10306, which seeks to amend Republic Act 11212, will allow MORE to establish, operate and maintain an electric power distribution system in the cities of Iloilo and Passi, as well as the municipalities of Alimodian, Leganes, Leon, New Lucena, Pavia, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Zarraga, Anilao, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Dingle, Duenas, Dumangas, and San Enrique.

Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph G. Recto oversaw the interpellation and amendment of the bill in place of Senator Mary Grace Natividad S. Poe-Llamanzares, the primary sponsor, who had to leave the session for personal reasons.

A new section was added authorizing the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to determine whether market abuse or anti-competitive behavior by parties to any power sales agreement operative in the franchise areas. Parties to any power sales agreement are allowed to renegotiate their tariffs if such a finding is arrived at. 

The bill also requires that any amendment to the power sales agreement not diminish or impair the financial investment entered into by any party.

At an earlier hearing, the legislators heard testimony about how customers switching to MORE as a result of the expansion would affect competitors.

ERC Legal Service Director Maria Corazon C. Gines estimated that around 50% of Iloilo 1 Electric Cooperative, Inc.’s (Ileco 1) consumers will switch to MORE as its price per kilowatt-hour (kwh) is P6, or against the cooperative’s P11.

If consumers transfer to MORE, the base or the billing determinant — the basis for the computation of the rate — for the remaining Ileco consumers will be reduced, thus increasing the cost per kwh, she said.

“It’s the price that makes the customer want to choose another distribution utility,” she added.

The ERC has estimated that the franchise area expansion will affect 40% of Ileco I’s current sales, 55% of Ileco II’s, and 13% of Ileco III’s. The expansion will affect six municipalities served by Ileco I, seven municipalities and one city served by Ileco II, and two municipalities served by Ileco III. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

Meat import clearance validity restored to 60 days from 90

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it restored the validity period of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) clearances for imported meat to 60 days, after the period had been temporarily extended to 90 days.

In an administrative order, the DA said the temporary extension was resorted to in light of the supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic, though it now sees logistics to be normalizing.

“The current global COVID situation has subsided in many parts of the world, resulting in an easing of the supply chain and logistical restrictions,” according to the order.

The Bureau of Animal Industry issues SPS import clearances for animals, animal feed and feed ingredients, and animal products and by-products including meat and meat products. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Congress starts counting votes for President, VP 

CONGRESS.GOV.PH

By Alyssa Nicole O. Tan, Reporter

CONGRESS on Tuesday met in a joint public session to count the votes for president and vice-president in the May 9 elections.

Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III and Speaker Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco presided over the session held at the House of Representatives.

He noted that out of 173 certificates of canvass (COC), the Senate was still expecting the delivery of 8  certificates.

Mr. Sotto told his fellow lawmakers they should be “mindful of our moral duty” to resist attempts by some people to derail the proclamation of a new president and vice-president.

Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. won the election by a landslide, according to the unofficial count from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) server.

Senators and congressmen created a 14-man joint committee that will count the votes. Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri and House Majority Leader Martin G. Romualdez will head the two panels.

Regular members for the Senate are Senators Franklin M. Drilon, Nancy S. Binay, María Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos, Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Ralph G. Recto and Pilar “Pia” S. Cayetano.

Making up the House panel are Reps. Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, Abraham Tolentino, Kristine Singson-Meehan, Sharon S. Garin, Manuel Jose M. Dalipe and Juliet Marie D. Ferrer.

The alternate members were Senators Lito M. Lapid, Ana Theresia Hontiveros-Baraquel, Aquilino “Koko” L. Pimentel III and Ronald M. dela Rosa, as well as Reps. Juan Pablo Bondoc, Johnny T. Pimentel, Alfredo A. Garbin Jr., and Stella Luz A. Quimbo.

During the session, the lawyers of presidential candidates recognized the authenticity of the election results that will be revealed after the official canvassing.

Romulo B. Macalintal, Vice-President Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo’s lawyer, cited her call for her supporters to accept the election results.

“Although there are still questions about this election that need to be addressed, the voice of the people is becoming clearer,” he said. “We need to listen to this voice because in the end, we share only one nation.”

“We interpose no objection to the inclusion of the canvass of all certificates of canvass for president from the various provincial and municipal boards of canvassers,” he added.

“We would like to recognize and thank the patriotism exhibited by Vice-President Leni Robredo for expressly recognizing the integrity and the result of the recently concluded general elections,” Marcos lawyer Victor D. Rodriguez said.

Mr. Zubiri said this would significantly speed up the counting.

“They will no longer object to the results of the elections which would definitely hasten our proceedings,” he said. “We thank their graciousness as well as their patriotism in this time when we need the nation to heal from the very emotionally charged election of 2022.”

Mr. Sotto said they do not expect any serious objections to the results of the canvass “unless the COC will have incomplete records or does not match what was electronically transmitted.”

Lawmakers opened the certificates of canvass and supporting documents that were turned over to the canvassing committee.

The joint committee will decide all questions and issues raised involving the certificates of canvass by a majority vote of its members, with each panel voting separately.

In case of a disagreement, the decision of the chairmen will prevail. In case of a deadlock, the Senate president and Speaker will resolve the matter.

Congress seeks to proclaim the new president and vice-president by Wednesday evening.

Certificates and returns to be received by the Senate include those from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Syria, Morocco, Iran, Argentina and Brazil.

Ballot boxes being delivered to the House include certificates from Chile, South Africa, Timor Leste, Kenya, Mexico, Pakistan, Czech Republic and Nigeria. They were also awaiting local certificates from Lanao Del Sur.

A group of taxpayers on May 16 asked the Supreme Court to stop the count and void Mr. Marcos’ candidacy since he is allegedly unfit to become president after he was convicted of tax evasion in the 1990s.

Martial Law victims of Mr. Marcos’ father and namesake have also filed a similar lawsuit that seeks to overturn a Commission on Elections (Comelec) decision that favored the presidential frontrunner, who won the elections by a landslide.  

The High Court has ordered Mr. Marcos Jr., Comelec, the Senate and House to comment on the first lawsuit.

“Unreasonable, unnecessary or deliberate delays in the canvass so that Congress would be prevented from proclaiming a new president and new vice president before noon of June 30 may just be the greatest disservice to the country,” Mr. Sotto said.

Mr. Velasco said it is Congress’ duty to ensure that the votes are counted correctly. — with Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Incoming Justice chief vows to speed up criminal cases

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

INCOMING Justice Secretary and Cavite Rep. Jesus Crispin “Boying” C. Remulla on Tuesday said he would fast-track pending criminal cases and keep track of the jail sentences of all prisoners.

He would do this by using a digital database for criminal cases and developing a data tracking system, as part of reforms that he seeks to enforce as Justice chief, he told CNN Philippines.

“We need to audit all detention prisoners to keep track of their sentences,” Mr. Remulla said in Filipino.

He said the Justice department and Supreme Court have to work closely to fast-track pending criminal lawsuits, which he said are often delayed by judges and lawyers.

He added that he is open to reviewing the case of detained Senator Leila M. de Lima, who has been in jail since Feb. 2017 on drug trafficking charges.

“I am willing to review her case, but recantations are frowned upon in court,” Mr. Remulla said. “It does not mean that if they recanted, they were not telling the truth in the beginning.”

Several witnesses have retracted their testimonies implicating Ms. De Lima, one of the most outspoken critics of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s deadly war on drugs, in the illegal drug trade. They claimed to have been coerced by government officials into falsely accusing her.

Mr. Remulla also said he would be “more reserved” about accusing activists of being part of the communist movement.

During the campaign period, he linked supporters of Vice-President Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo to the Maoist movement.

As justice chief, Mr. Remulla will be a member of the newest anti-terrorism law’s Anti-Terrorism Council. He will also head a committee that probes the killings of activists and dissenters.

Human rights group Karapatan on Tuesday said Mr. Remulla’s appointment is concerning due to his history of red-tagging.

“We express grave concern over his impending appointment as Justice Secretary, especially when his appointment also means he will get to sit as a member of the Anti-Terrorism Council,” it said in a statement.  

“One thing is very much clear to us — we can only expect more injustice and even more impunity under the presumptive Marcos-Duterte administration with Remulla at the helm of the DoJ.”

The incoming labor chief on Monday acknowledged that there is no quick fix to workers’ issues such as short-term employment.

Meanwhile, incoming Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma said he plans to create a “workable formula” with employers and workers to address labor issues, including contractualization.

“If the labor sector and employer sector will join my call for good governance, we can encourage existing investors and probably attract more investors to provide jobs,” he told the ABC-CBN News Channel (ANC).

Mr. Laguesma vowed to work closely with the newly established agency for migrant workers while encouraging more Filipinos to stay in the Philippines instead of seeking employment abroad.

“I will make my pitch on local employment because while I see foreign employment as providing us needed foreign remittances, I also look at the social costs that go with it,” he said.

Former Labor Undersecretary and Filipino worker advocate Susan V. Ople on Monday accepted presumptive President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s offer for her to head the Department of Migrant Workers.

Mr. Ople is the daughter of the late Senator Blas F. Ople, who served for 17 years as Labor chief of Mr. Marcos’ father, the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos. — John Victor D. Ordoñez and KATA

No sustained hike yet in COVID cases, says Health dep’t 

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

THE HEALTH department on Tuesday said new coronavirus subvariant cases in the country has yet to result in “sustained, large case increases or hospital admissions.” 

The Philippines had experienced rising infections not just this month but as early as when it started opening its borders, Alethea de Guzman, officer-in-charge of the agency’s Epidemiology Bureau, told a news briefing. 

“Since we started reopening our borders, we’ve monitored a gradual increase in cases,” she said in Filipino. 

Ms. De Guzman said it’s hard to say whether the recent uptick in cases had been caused by the BA.4 or other emerging coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) variants. 

The Health department posted 17 Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1 cases last week, while the first case of the Omicron subvariant BA.4, which authorities see as a “variant of concern,” was reported at the weekend. 

There were 1,214 new infections and six new deaths from May 16 to 22, it said on Monday. 

The Philippines had fully vaccinated nearly 69 million people as of May 23, while 13.8 million booster shots have been injected. 

Meanwhile, the government of outgoing President Rodrigo R. Duterte was a major source of disinformation during the coronavirus pandemic, according to an international civic group. 

Mr. Duterte himself made false claims about the coronavirus, which is “symptomatic of an information problem,” Innovation for Change-East Asia said in a report. 

The group cited seven instances where the president gave the public wrong information, including an instance where he claimed to have formed an inter-agency task force to manage the coronavirus. 

“It took the task force around three weeks to meet and release pronouncements about COVID-19 after the World Health Organization released a notice about the virus,” it said. “It was actually his predecessor who established the mentioned task force.” 

Mr. Duterte also boasted that the Philippines was the first country in Asia to impose lockdowns during the pandemic. 

“This misinformation was corrected by the press, as China, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and Mongolia have placed lockdowns before the Philippine lockdowns started in mid-March of 2020.” 

The group also said Mr. Duterte contradicted himself the following month when he said he had warned the country about the dangers of the coronavirus. 

“What he actually did was dismiss concerns and say that the virus will die a natural death even without vaccines,” according to the report. 

“No one in the world knew about COVID-19 during the onset of the pandemic,” Mr. Duterte’s spokesman told reporters. “What is important is our success in balancing the health of the nation and the economy.” — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza 

Jayson Tatum, Celtics bury Heat early, level series 2-2

JAYSON Tatum recorded 31 points, eight rebounds and five assists as the Boston Celtics dominated from the outset while notching a 102-82 victory over the visiting Miami Heat on Monday night to tie the Eastern Conference finals at two games apiece.

Payton Pritchard scored 14 points while Derrick White excelled with 13 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals for Boston while starting in place of injured point guard Marcus Smart.

Robert Williams III added 12 points and nine rebounds and Jaylen Brown had 12 points and seven rebounds for the Celtics. Al Horford contributed 13 rebounds and four blocked shots to go with five points for Boston.

Three reserves reached double digits for Miami. Victor Oladipo scored 23 points, Duncan Robinson tallied 14 and Caleb Martin added 12 for the Heat, who missed their first 14 shots while digging an 18-1 deficit.

Miami star Jimmy Butler had just six points on 3-of-14 shooting and struggled during 27 minutes of action. Butler departed after the first half of Game 3 on Saturday due to right knee inflammation.

Bam Adebayo scored just nine points for the Heat after putting up 31 in Game 3.

Game 5 of the best-of-seven series is on Wednesday night in Miami.

Smart, who sprained his right ankle in Game 3, was ruled out approximately 70 minutes before tip-off.

The Heat shot 33.3% from the field and their starters scored just 18 points on combined 7-of-36 shooting (19.4%). Miami, which played without reserve Tyler Herro (groin), made 14 of 36 attempts from 3-point range.

Boston connected on 39.7% of its shots and was 8 of 34 from behind the arc. The Celtics owned a 60-39 rebounding edge.

Boston came out strong and led by 17 before Miami made its first field goal. White scored the game’s first seven points and Tatum contributed nine during the burst.

The Heat finally converted on shot No. 15 when Oladipo buried a 3-pointer with 3:22 left in the period.

Miami finished the quarter with 3-of-20 shooting and trailed 29-11. — Reuters

Man City paints town blue with open top bus parade

MANCHESTER City players celebrate with their fans during the victory parade. — REUTERS

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester City celebrated its fourth Premier League title in five years in spectacular style on Monday as fans thronged the streets of the city to party with their heroes for the first time since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

City nearly lost its crown to Liverpool on the last day of the season on Sunday when Pep Guardiola’s side found it 2-0 down at home to Aston Villa before scoring three goals in a dramatic five-minute turnaround to win 3-2.

The players and staff, decked in City’s sky blue and holding the Premier League trophy aloft, waved at fans from an open top bus as confetti rained down and blue smoke flares were lit along the route.

“It is amazing, to do this for the fourth time. We couldn’t really do it last year because of COVID but amazing to see so many people here to celebrate with us,” midfielder Kevin De Bruyne said.

“The players have pushed me all the way. I’ve been here seven years and I love them. I have three more years and I’m definitely staying, this is where I want to be and win more trophies.”

The Belgian was named the Premier League’s Player of the Season, having won the award for a second time after scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists — including one for the winner against Villa scored by Ilkay Gundogan.

Gundogan added: “Honestly, I didn’t feel that much (scoring the winner), I got it on a plate from Kevin. Everything else was pure joy. Not a bad week, I cannot complain.”

Guardiola, who became the most successful foreign manager in English football with his fourth league title, puffed away on a cigar and looked a rejuvenated man after a tense title race.

“Everybody knows it was an incredible achievement. This is the toughest league and we have won four since we’ve been here. I can see the happiness on the people’s faces,” Guardiola said.

“I am the best dancer of my staff, we will do it tonight. We saw the reaction when Ilkay Gundogan scored the winning goal.” — Reuters

Qatar World Cup audience projected at 5 billion, says FIFA boss

DAVOS, Switzerland — The 2022 World Cup hosted by Qatar is expected to be watched by five billion people around the world, International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) president Gianni Infantino said on Monday.

The TV audiences for the 2018 World Cup in Russia was a record-breaking 3.5 billion people.

Qatar, a small but wealthy Gulf Arab state, will host the first World Cup in the Middle East starting late November.

Its ruling Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Monday criticized attacks on Qatar by some people, “including many in positions of influence,” over its hosting of the event.

“Even today, there are still people who cannot accept the idea, that an Arab Muslim country, would host a tournament, like the World Cup,” he said in a speech at the World Economic Forum.

He said Qatar, like other states, was “not perfect” but has pushed reforms and development. Reforms include raising the minimum wage and new rules authorities say are designed to protect workers, including from heat stress.

Qatar has come under intense criticism from human rights groups over its treatment of migrant workers, who along with other foreigners comprise the bulk of the country’s population.

High profile soccer stars like England manager Gareth Southgate have raised concerns over the human rights of some fans traveling to Qatar, especially women and LGBT+ fans.

Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar. There are concerns over the status of women, some of whom need permission from a male relative to marry, work in government jobs and travel overseas.

Tournament organizers stress that everyone, no matter their sexual orientation or background, is welcome in Qatar, while also warning fans against public displays of affection.

Qatar has said its labor system is still a work in progress, and denied a 2021 Amnesty International report that thousands of migrant workers were still being exploited. — Reuters

Britain set to approve Abramovich’s sale of Chelsea

LONDON — Britain is set to approve the sale of Premier League soccer Chelsea to a consortium led by Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters, after owner Roman Abramovich gave assurances over the deal.

Russian Abramovich put the club up for sale in early March following his country’s invasion of Ukraine.

The British government demanded assurances that Abramovich, who was sanctioned following the invasion — which Moscow calls a special operation — will not benefit from the sale.

The London club earlier this month announced the £4.25-billion ($5.2 billion) deal with Boehly’s consortium, backed by Clearlake Capital, for the reigning European champions, subject to receiving the required approvals.

The UK government’s approval of the sale was being finalized on Monday night, the source said, though the deal also faces the need for EU approval, as Abramovich holds a Portuguese passport.

The Financial Times and the BBC were the first to report the pending approval of the sale by the government. — Reuters

Justin Thomas rises to no. 5 in world rankings

JUSTIN Thomas rose to No. 5 in the Official World Golf Ranking on Monday, climbing four spots following his win at the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Championship.

Thomas, who has been No. 1 on two different occasions, had fallen to No. 9 entering last week. His come-from-behind victory at Southern Hills in Tulsa, OK, snapped a 14-month winless drought.

“I just think it’s just so hard to win,” Thomas said on Sunday. “Like, it is. I legitimately think it’s harder to win now than it was when I first came out on (the PGA) Tour just for the sake of the depth of the tour.

“I clearly haven’t won the amount of times that a lot of guys — not a lot; a handful of guys have this year. But I feel like I’ve played just as well as anybody on tour this year. I just haven’t had the trophies to show, and I’d fallen in the World Ranking, and that just kind of shows how strong it was or how strong the game of golf is.”

Will Zalatoris rose 16 spots to a career-high 14th in the world after falling to Thomas in a three-hole playoff. Zalatoris is still seeking his first career PGA Tour victory.

So, too, is Mito Pereira, the Chilean who double-bogeyed the 72nd hole while needing a par to win and a bogey to be part of the playoff. Pereira did vault 51 spots in the rankings to No. 49, climbing inside the coveted top 50 positions that qualify players for most every major worldwide event.

Thomas, 29, now has a pair of Wanamaker trophies on his resume along with the 2021 Players Championship. That had been his most recent victory before erasing a seven-shot deficit with a 67 on Sunday.

“I think it’s easy to start letting some doubt creep in and just kind of like, ‘all right, what’s going to happen, when is it going to happen, is it going to happen?’” Thomas said.

“I’m very fortunate right now that although there might be people ranked higher than me in the World Ranking, but at least in my eyes, I’m on top of the golfing world right now. And I’m very, very proud of that.” — Reuters

Nadal destroys Thompson to reach French Open second round

PARIS — Rafael Nadal showed no signs of pain as the 13-time French Open champion marched into the second round at Roland Garros with clinical 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Australian Jordan Thompson on Monday.

The Spaniard, who had never arrived in Paris as unprepared as this year after a rib injury and a chronic foot problem hampered the buildup to his beloved Grand Slam tournament, was never bothered on a chilly court Philippe Chatrier.

“It’s incredible for me to play here again on Chatrier. I’m happy with this win. First round is always special,” said Nadal.

The 35-year-old, who has a record 21 men’s Grand Slam titles to his name, played down the chances of adding to his tally but his display was reminiscent of those of previous years.

Nadal broke for 2-1 with a backhand volley winner and his massive forehand helped him quickly move 4-1 up against an overwhelmed opponent.

The fifth seed looked to finish off some points quickly and made several unusual unforced errors, but they were of little consequence as he breezed through the opening set.

Nadal broke serve in the first game of the second set and again in the fifth and seventh as he started to play more neatly, bagging it with a service winner.

Thompson, who pulled a break back, looked completely worn out by then but managed to hold it together until 2-2, when Nadal broke with a forehand volley and won all the rest of the games. — Reuters

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