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Swiss Bencic clinches gold as Djokovic exits without medal

TOKYO — Belinda Bencic became the first Swiss woman to win a tennis gold medal at the Olympics with a victory in the singles final on Saturday, while Novak Djokovic went home empty-handed for the third successive Games.

Djokovic withdrew from his mixed doubles contest with a shoulder injury shortly after being beaten (6-4, 6-7(6), 6-3) by Spain’s Pablo Carreño Busta in the singles bronze-medal match.

The Serbian world number one’s exit came a day after he failed in his bid to complete the Golden Slam.

World number 12 Bencic outlasted Markéta Vondroušová of the Czech Republic (7-5, 2-6, 6-3) in a nervy final to become the first Swiss to win an Olympic singles title since Marc Rosset won the men’s event in 1992.

Bencic dedicated her win to former Swiss number ones Roger Federer and Martina Hingis as neither player ever won a singles gold at the Olympics.

“I think I accomplished it for them (Federer and Hingis),” she told reporters.

“They did so much in their careers. I’m not sure I will be ever be able to do what they did, but maybe I could help them to accomplish this one with giving them this Olympics. So it’s both for Martina and for Roger.”

Bencic could claim another gold in Tokyo as she and Viktorija Golubic will take on Czech top seeds Barbora Krejčíková and Kateřina Siniaková in the women’s doubles final on Sunday.

In the bronze medal match, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina fought back to prevail (1-6, 7-6(5), 6-4) over Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan.

The victory ends a whirlwind month for Svitolina, who lost in the second round at Wimbledon before marrying French tennis player Gael Monfils a week before the Games began.

“It was extremely tough and that’s why… when I finally won that match point, it was just the explosion of the emotions,” Svitolina said.

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
Djokovic had arrived in Tokyo aiming to become the first man to win all four majors and an Olympic gold medal in the same calendar year, after securing victories at the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon.

But that quest came to an end after he was beaten by German Alexander Zverev in Friday’s semifinal.

Djokovic’s withdrawal from Saturday’s mixed doubles, along with partner Nina Stojanović, resulted in an automatic bronze for Australian pair Ash Barty and John Peers.

“I do have a regret for not winning a medal for my country and opportunities missed both in mixed doubles and singles. I just didn’t deliver yesterday and today,” Djokovic said, adding that he was still aiming to play at the 2024 Paris Games.

“The level of tennis dropped also due to exhaustion, mentally and physically.”

Saturday’s loss to Carreño Busta marked Djokovic’s third appearance and second defeat in a singles bronze medal match.

He won the bronze at the Beijing Games in 2008 before losing to Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro in London four years later. Del Potro beat him again in the first round of Rio 2016.

Carreño Busta’s win capped a giant-killing week for the 30-year-old, after he took down world number two Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals.

“This has been an exceptional match… This is even more incredible than winning a tournament. I have won the Davis Cup, gone far in other tournaments, but winning an Olympic medal is amazing. Words fail me,” said Carreño Busta.

His victory also extends Spain’s remarkable Olympic record, having secured a tennis medal at every Games but one since 1988.

In the women’s doubles, Brazilians Laura Pigossi and Luisa Stefani saved four match points against Veronika Kudermetova and Elena Vesnina of the Russian Olympic Committee to snatch the bronze medal. It was Brazil’s first medal in tennis. — Reuters

McKeon gets record seventh medal; Dressel clinches sprint double

TOKYO — Australia’s Emma McKeon became the first female swimmer to win seven medals at a single Olympic Games on Sunday after completing the sprint double with victory in the 50m freestyle and then winning another gold in the women’s 4×100 medley relay.

American Caeleb Dressel confirmed his dominance in men’s sprint swimming, powering to victory in the 50 free to go with his 100 gold and clinching a fifth medal of the Games as Team USA triumphed in the men’s medley relay.

There was more gold joy for the United States with Robert Finke completing the distance double, producing another late push to win the 1,500 freestyle to add to his 800 gold.

The United States ended what has been an enthralling swimming competition in Tokyo with 11 gold medals, five less than in Rio and London.

Australia won nine, their most swimming golds at a Games, and Britain left with four golds as part of a record haul of eight total medals.

McKeon, who has pocketed four golds in Tokyo, swam the butterfly leg as part of Australia’s “Awesome Foursome” in the medley relay, with Cate Campbell’s superb final leg pushing the United States into silver.

That saw McKeon join Michael Phelps, Mark Spitz and Matt Biondi as the only swimmers with seven medals at a Games. Russian gymnast Maria Gorokhovskaya, in 1952, is the only woman to have won seven in any other sport.

“It still feels pretty surreal. I never thought I would win two golds in one session… I’m very proud of myself,” she said.

Teammate Campbell was full of praise for McKeon’s performances in Tokyo.

“Full credit to Emma… I think that we just need to acknowledge what an incredible job she has done,” Campbell said.

“She walks away from these Games with four gold medals now and I honestly could not be happier for her. She is such an important part of this team and I think that needs to be recognized.”

McKeon outsprinted the field in the 50m freestyle, with Swede Sarah Sjöström taking silver and Rio 50m champion Pernille Blume of Denmark bronze, and was then quickly back in the pool for the medley relay.

The Australians were second all the way to the final turn when Campbell pulled away from Abbey Weitzeil to secure the ninth gold medal for the country in the Tokyo pool — eight of which have come from the women’s squad.

PRETTY FATIGUED
Dressel, the 100m free and butterfly champion, completed his sprint double with a huge margin of 0.48 second over France’s Florent Manaudou, the London gold medal winner and silver medalist in Rio. Bruno Fratus of Brazil took the bronze medal.

The 24-year-old Floridian then produced the defining butterfly leg in the United States’ medley relay victory, powering ahead of Britain’s James Guy to set up Zach Apple, who sped home on the freestyle anchor leg to touch first.

Britain took silver, to secure their most successful Games in the pool, with Italy taking bronze.

Finke delivered a repeat performance of his success in the 800 free with another perfectly timed late sprint to grab his second gold. His last 50 metres was almost two seconds faster than German Florian Wellbrock, who had led going into the final turn.

Wellbrock opened up a lead at the 300 mark and held it until the final length but then Finke put in a stunning surge to grab victory with Ukraine’s Mykhailo Romanchuk taking silver and the German bronze.

“I was pretty fatigued, but then I realize everyone else in the field is feeling the same way I was confident in my ability to come home,” Finke said.

“I came in not really expecting to get a medal or anything and to come out of it with two golds — so I’m just going to do my best to process things.” — Reuters

New partnership

Make no mistake: The Lakers swung a trade for Russell Westbrook because resident All-Stars Anthony Davis and LeBron James wanted to welcome the California native into the fold. Never mind the former Most Valuable Player awardee’s seemingly questionable fit as a low-efficiency volume shooter who requires the ball in order to thrive. Meeting at the Space Jam: A New Legacy thespian’s home two weeks ago, they resolved to iron out evident kinks in their disparate styles of play, committing to make the requisite sacrifices on the process.

Whether promise turns to practice remains to be seen, but the Lakers have always been moved by star power. And, certainly, Westbrook carries heavy wattage. It isn’t that they need any more reasons to entice their already intensely loyal fans. It’s that they fervently believe the formula leads to championships, and there can be no disabusing them of the notion given the 17 banners hanging high at Staples Center. The roster of players having donned the purple and gold reads like a Who’s Who of the sport’s greats, and their latest addition doesn’t so much as add to its luster as continue the tradition for which it stands.

The bottom line is clear, of course, and remains the only validating factor for the Lakers. Having been used to, and spoiled by, success, they acknowledge that the new partnership will ultimately be judged by its capacity to claim the Larry O’Brien Trophy when the battlesmoke clears. Nothing else matters. Thusly, going for Westbrook cannot but be regarded as a high-risk, high-reward move; his contract runs for two more years, which means he’s tied to them until James’ own deal expires. The latter must have been convinced enough of the pluses of the development to commit to it.

Indeed, the Lakers could have acquired sharpshooter Buddy Hield vice Westbrook for much less. That they sprung for the nine-time All-Star instead speaks volumes of their willingness to go all in and accept the results. No doubt, they were spurred by the presence and endorsement of James, whose singular skill set and vast experience figure to make the transition easier. That said, it won’t come without pitfalls; not for nothing is their new recruit playing for his fourth team in as many seasons. His polarizing personality has been both a boon and a bane; it fuels his dynamism, but likewise his refusal to compromise.

The hope is that Westbrook will listen to James and, to a lesser extent, Davis in pursuit of the one thing his resume still lacks. If that hope is answered, then well and good; it means he truly values the ring to agree to change. If not, then the Lakers are in trouble. They stand to waste the twilight years of arguably the league’s greatest player of all time just to learn these: not all purple is good, and not all that glitters is gold. Some are from eminently avoidable beatings, and some are from fools.

 

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.

Myanmar army ruler pledges elections, ASEAN cooperation

FLOWERS hang during a nationwide flower campaign against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, April 2, 2021. — REUTERS
REUTERS

BANGKOK — Myanmar’s military ruler Min Aung Hlaing on Sunday again promised new multi-party elections and said his government is ready to work with any special envoy named by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He spoke in a televised address six months after the army seized power from a civilian government after disputed elections won by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi’s ruling party, which he called “extremists” and accused of inciting violence.

“Myanmar is ready to work on ASEAN cooperation within the ASEAN framework including the dialogue with the ASEAN Special Envoy in Myanmar,” Min Aung Hlaing said.

ASEAN foreign ministers are to meet on Monday, when diplomats say they aim to finalize a special envoy tasked with ending violence and promoting dialogue between the junta and its opponents.

Min Aung Hlaing also repeated a pledge to restore democracy, though again without detailing a time frame.

“I guarantee the establishment of a union based on democracy and federalism,” he said.

The army seized power on Feb. 1 from the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi after her ruling party won elections that the military argues were tainted by fraud. It has said its takeover was in line with the constitution.

The country’s electoral commission has dismissed the fraud allegations.

Since the coup, military authorities have faced protests, strikes that have paralyzed public and private sectors, and a resurgence of armed conflicts in the borderlands.

The military authorities have branded their opponents terrorists.

“At present, the whole country is stable except for some terrorist attacks,” Min Aung Hlaing said in his speech.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group has accused the armed forces of killing 939 people in suppressing dissent since the coup and said at least 6,990 military opponents have been arrested.

The military said the number of protesters killed is far lower and members of the armed forces have also died in violence. It said its response has met international norms in the face of threats to national security.  — Reuters

China mulls booster shots for some as Delta variant spreads

CHINA is studying if it’s necessary to give booster COVID-19 vaccine shots to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with underlying diseases and those who work in high-risk areas.

There isn’t yet enough evidence to suggest that a third shot is needed for everyone, Wang Huaqing, an expert with Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said at a press briefing Saturday.

The country recorded 328 new locally-transmitted cases in July, almost equaling the amount of cases reported in the previous five months combined, National Health Commission spokesman Mi Feng said at the same briefing. The virus being transmitted currently is mostly the delta variant, but China’s virus control measures are still effective against it, Mr. Mi said.

Mass vaccinations alone can’t contain the spread of the Delta strain, and must be complimented with stringent curbs such as social distancing and the wearing of masks, said Shao Yiming, a researcher with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s the lesson from many developed countries, where cases are rebounding after authorities eased COVID restrictions when they reached a high vaccination rate level, he said.

The government will also step up its work on vaccinating the elderly and teenagers, National Health Commission official He Qinghua said. — Bloomberg

US top diplomat Blinken to court Southeast Asia in virtual meetings

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken — COURTESY OF FACEBOOK/ANTONY BLINKEN

WASHINGTON — United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet virtually with Southeast Asian officials every day this week, a senior state department official said on Saturday, as Washington seeks to show the region it’s a US priority while also addressing the crisis in Myanmar.

The top US diplomat will attend virtual meetings for five consecutive days, including annual meetings of the 10 foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other nations and separate meetings of the Lower Mekong subregion countries Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand.

“I think it’s a clear demonstration of our commitment to the region,” said the official, who briefed Reuters on condition of anonymity.

In recent years top US officials have not always attended ASEAN meetings and have sometimes sent more junior officials to the region’s summits.

The virtual meetings come after the Biden administration in its early days was seen as paying little attention to the region of more than 600 million people, which is often overshadowed by neighboring economic giant China, which the administration sees as its major foreign policy challenge.

But that has been partly addressed by recent visits to the region. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman visited Indonesia, Cambodia and Thailand in May and June, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was in Vietnam and the Philippines last week, and Vice President Kamala Harris is set to visit Singapore and Vietnam.

“That steady flow of high-level engagement is going to pay dividends. It’s noticed,” the official said, adding that countries in the region “notice when we don’t show up and that’s when you start hearing some complaining maybe about not taking them seriously or taking them for granted.”

The official said that donations of COVID-19 vaccines to the region had been a “game changer in terms of how our image is perceived.”

On Sunday, the United States shipped 3 million doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to Vietnam and it has sent doses to other Southeast Asian countries too, but an agreement it reached in March with Japan and Australia and India to provide a billion doses to the region stalled due to an Indian export ban.

By mid-week the United States will have donated 23 million doses to countries in the region, which is experiencing a surge of the coronavirus with vaccination rates well below countries in the West, the official said.

But none of those doses have gone to Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, where military generals staged a coup on Feb. 1 and detained elected leaders including Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, sparking sanctions from Washington and other Western capitals.

The meetings will see Mr. Blinken in the same virtual meetings as representatives of Myanmar’s military government, but the official said rather than bestowing legitimacy on those officials, this was an opportunity to get messages to the military government.

“We’re not prepared to walk away from ASEAN because of the bad behavior of a group of generals in Burma,” the official said, adding that US officials were also engaging with the National Unity Government that opposes the military government there. — Reuters

Two Sumatran tigers recovering from coronavirus

JAKARTA — Two Sumatran tigers at an Indonesian zoo were recovering from COVID-19 after they tested positive in mid-July, the Jakarta government said in a statement on Sunday, adding that authorities were trying to find out how they were infected.

Tino, a 9-year old tiger, and Hari, a 12-year old, were tested for coronavirus after both showed flu-like symptoms, had trouble breathing and lost their appetite, the statement said.

The tigers had undergone around 10 to 12 days of treatment and were gradually showing signs of recovery, Jakarta’s Head of the Parks and City Forest Office, Suzi Marsitawati, said.

“Their appetites have returned and they are back to being active,” Ms. Suzi said, although both tigers remain under close observation.

She said authorities are doing tracking and tracing to figure out how the tigers were infected.

“When the animals started to show symptoms, the Ragunan zoo was already closed due to emergency mobility restrictions,” Ms. Suzi said, referring to the Jakarta zoo.

She added that none of the caretakers and workers had tested positive with coronavirus around the time the animals were infected.

Indonesia has suffered the worst coronavirus infection in Southeast Asia with over 3.4 million infections and more than 94,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic. — Reuters

Latest software and development trends for 2021

Source: Pexels

Life in the software development sector never stands still. There are always several new, innovative, and disruptive technologies out there, ready to make our lives easier. 2021 may only be halfway through, but we’ve already seen some interesting trends emerge.

Microservices and Docker containers

Microservices refer to a way of building applications whereby each component can function independently and within the app. It’s a very distinct way of designing different kinds of software. Instead of looking at the big picture, the developer seeks to create single-function modules that also work when combined with others.

The trend for this kind of development has increased recently as companies and developers attempt to become more streamlined in their work while moving to a more DevOps-centred approach. A good example of this is the use of Docker containers. These create fast solutions for developers looking at how to improve docker performance. Using these kinds of containers is one of the leading ways to develop software right now, and is a part of this general trend. They are handy for those wanting to maximize speed during the development process.

Expansion of the Internet of Things

Juniper Research has estimated that by the end of 2021, more than 40 billion interconnected devices will be functioning on the Internet of Things, including over 30 billion new devices. The concept was first introduced 20 years ago, but today it has grown beyond all expectations. Many of us use IoT devices such as smartwatches, speakers, digital home controls, mobile-linked CCTV, and more without realizing they’re IoT technology.

The rollout of 5G has been a big boost for the sector, and in 2020 the average household has 10 connected devices. The current leader in terms of IoT devices is Google Home which has 48% of the market share.

The increased popularity of low code development

Low code development is a term that describes the development of low code applications and software. Essentially, it provides ‘blocks’ of code that carry out various functions. The coder can then assemble these blocks to create an application or similar. This allows various creations to develop without the need for coding. It’s instrumental when a program or app has repetitive coding or a basis that is commonly used elsewhere.

The key benefits of using this approach are the fact that it significantly reduces development time. It also allows coders to spend more time on complex or specialist bits of code. Additionally, it enables individuals to create new apps without authoring, testing, and experimenting with scripts.

Progressive web apps

There may have been times when you’ve accessed a mobile website, only to find it’s slow and unresponsive. This can be really frustrating. Many companies have sought to create web apps that are standalone applications downloaded from the App Store. But this requires downloading, installing, accepting terms and conditions, and giving the app access to parts of your device. A progressive web app works from within the browser and doesn’t require downloading.

The difference is that it’s designed to appear like an app and offer a higher level of service and usability. Think of it like a boosted application. These apps are secure, internet-free, easy to use, and always up-to-date. They are also growing significantly in popularity.

With just less than six months remaining, who knows what exciting developments the rest of 2021 has in store.

Eumir Marcial KOs opponent for a sure Olympic bronze medal

Eumir Marcial of the Philippines reacts after winning his fight against Arman Darchinyan of Armenia at the Tokyo Olympics, Aug. 1. -- REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino

Filipino middleweight boxer Eumir Felix D. Marcial advanced to the semifinals of the Tokyo Olympic Games after knocking out Armenian Arman Darchinyan in the opening round of their quarterfinal clash at the Kokugikan Arena, Sunday.

The Zamboanga native stopped his opponent with a well-timed right hook with 49 seconds left in the first round that instantly sent Mr. Darchinyan to the canvas.

The win assured Mr. Marcial of at least a bronze medal in Tokyo.

In the semifinals on Aug. 5, Mr. Marcial will face Oleksandr Khyzhniak of Ukraine. – Michael Angelo S. Murillo

4 steps to starting a business built on education

Start your business and join a community

The last several months have shuffled everyone’s priorities and have made us all focus on the necessities. But despite the world being turned inside-out, education has stayed at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Before we found our preferred online delivery services, we made sure that students had the right tools to continue their studies. Before we longed for restaurants, malls and travel, we first ensured that learning did not stop.

For this reason alone, it’s no surprise that the education sector has continued to thrive. And if you’re one of those people that have considered getting into the business, here are some initial steps you need to take:

1. Look at the market

The question you need to first ask is, “Is there an open opportunity that I can take here?” And also, “Are the needs I’m servicing for the long haul and are they actionable?”

If the answer is yes, then you’re on the right track. And when it comes to making education a business, our experiences have proven that education is a service that can be catered to humanity’s collective situation—whether on-ground, remote, or in intimate, less crowded settings.

2. Assess your own expertise

It’s no secret that even the world’s leading entrepreneurs need help in handling the different facets of their businesses, and you are just the same.

Before you make the dive into starting your business, take a look at yourself and consider where you thrive. Think about whether you’d prefer to stay behind the scenes or at the forefront of all the action. Try to decide whether you can handle the organization and logistical responsibilities. Examine your history to see which part of education leaves you feeling most fulfilled.

Assessing your expertise will not only place you in the right corner of your business, it will show you where your weaker points are, too—which then point you in the right direction when you’re looking for others to help you out.

 

3. Decide on your mission

Nothing will take you further in business and in life than having a purpose and a mission to fulfill. This might be as simple as expanding your personal goals of educating children into having a fully-fledged education program that helps nurture students’ skills under your belt. At the same time, it could simply be about offering and giving the youth the best possible chance at succeeding inside and outside their classroom, during and after their formative educational years.

 

4. Look for a partner

Building something from the ground up is a respectable endeavour. But by looking into and partnering up with a trusted and established educational program, you are getting an added value into your business. You are having a stronger foothold in the market through extra brain power during major decision-making, additional set of hands for the groundwork, and new pair of eyes that will help you look at things from a fresh, professional perspective.

When you know what you want, you’ll know what to do. And with several options ready for your consideration, the monumental task of starting your own educational business becomes a little more attainable.

Kumon Philippines invites everyone with a commitment to nurturing children’s development and growth to open up their own Kumon Centers and become Franchisee-Instructors themselves. Click here to learn more.

 

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Nesthy Petecio heads to Olympic gold medal match

Filipina boxer Nesthy Petecio reacts after winning her fight against Irma Testa of Italy at the Tokyo Olympic Games, July 30. -- REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino

Another Olympic gold medal for the Philippines is within reach after featherweight boxer Nesthy A. Petecio secured a spot in the finals at the Tokyo Olympic Games on Saturday.

Ms. Petecio, 29, defeated Irma Testa of Italy by split decision, 4-1, in the women’s featherweight semifinal bout at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo.

Four judges each scored the fight, 29-28, for the Filipino boxer, while one saw it, 28-29, for Ms. Testa.

The Filipina boxer bucked a slow start to edge the taller Italian, and now heads to the gold medal match set for Aug. 3.

Ms. Petecio sized up her opponent for much of the opening round before turning up the heat in the next two rounds, connecting on a barrage of blows to the body and head.

She now has the chance to duplicate the feat of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who won the country’s first-ever gold medal on July 26. She is already assured of a silver medal, the Philippines’ first Olympic medal for a female boxer.

In the finals, Ms. Petecio will face either Karriss Artingstall of Great Britain or Sena Irie of Japan, who were set to fight later on Saturday. – Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Carlo Paalam books spot in Olympic flyweight quarterfinals

Filipino flyweight boxer Carlo Paalam advanced to the quarterfinals in the Tokyo Olympic Games after he defeated Mohamed Flissi of Algeria by unanimous decision in the Round of 16 on Saturday. -- One Sports

Filipino flyweight boxer Carlo Paalam advanced to the quarterfinals of the flyweight division in the Tokyo Olympic Games after he defeated Mohamed Flissi of Algeria by unanimous decision in the Round of 16 at the Kokugikan Arena, Saturday.

Mr. Paalam, 23, made up for his height disadvantage with speed and precision in counter-punching to get the better of his opponent en route to the convincing victory.

All of the five judges scored the three-round fight, 30-27, in favor of the Bukidnon native.

The win was in follow-up to Mr. Paalam’s split decision win, 4-1, over Ireland’s Brendan Irvine in the Round of 32 early this week.

Mr. Paalam was the third Filipino boxer to reach the quarterfinals in the Tokyo Games after women’s featherweight Nesthy A. Petecio, who was to fight later on Saturday for a spot in the gold medal game, and middleweight Eumir Marcial, who is to see action in the quarters on Sunday.

The flyweight quarterfinal round is scheduled on Aug. 3. – Michael Angelo S. Murillo

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