Solon proposes return of Petron to gov’t ownership

October 11, 2021 | 8:03 pm

A LAWMAKER from the progressive Makabayan bloc is proposing that the national government buy back Petron Corp. to help control the continuous hike in oil prices, which has been prompted by increasing global crude oil prices.

“Petron Corporation which used to be state-owned and controlled, is currently the largest and the only publicly listed oil refining and marketing company in the Philippines and it would have a significant effect in mitigating oil price hikes,” said Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani T. Zarate in a statement.

Mr. Zarate pushed for congressional consideration and approval of House Bill 244 or the proposed Petron Renationalization Act.

Under the bill, the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) should acquire a majority stake or 51% of subscribed stocks of Petron upon the first year of its effectivity, if signed into law.

The PNOC should reacquire 100% full ownership of the company within a period of four years. This will mean that Petron would have to delist from the stock exchange once the government takes full stake of the company.

Reacquisition funds will be sourced from annual budget appropriations. Secondary funding can also come from the earnings of the PNOC from its increasing stake of Petron during its reacquisition.

In the first year of the law’s effectivity, P4 billion would be appropriated for the initial repurchase of Petron stocks by the government.

Following the proposed takeover, Petron should adopt a pricing policy to keep its crude oil and petroleum products sold to consumers as “socially and economically viable as possible” and to raise and promote the local capacity for exploration and development of petroleum, among others.

Petron was initially privatized in 1994 through a deal with PNOC and the Saudi Arabian Oil Company through a stock purchase agreement which gave a 40% stake of the company to the oil producer.

The industry was deregulated through Republic Act 8479 or the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998 in a bid to stabilize and provide reasonable oil prices and encourage competition and investment in firms, among others.

Local fuel prices will increase on Tuesday for the seventh consecutive week.

Domestic diesel prices had a total increase of P15.00 per liter year-to-date while gasoline also hiked by P16.55 per liter, according to data from the Department of Energy.

BusinessWorld has reached out to Petron for comment on the proposal but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.

Shares in Petron went up by 4.72% or 16 centavos to finish at P3.55 per share on Monday. — Russell Louis C. Ku

Senate committee again asks for report on Starpay cash aid distribution

October 11, 2021 | 8:03 pm

Cash-aid-distribution-PHILSTAR-EDDGUMBAN — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

THE SENATE Finance committee asked the social welfare department to submit a report containing details on the cash aid distribution made through Starpay Corp. as questions on alleged unaccounted funds were again raised on Monday.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Director Katrina Grace C. Ongoco told the budget hearing that Starpay was assigned to distribute P50 billion of the pandemic cash assistance last year, of which P8 billion was reverted back to the agency.

Senator Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao, who questioned the contract in July, again pointed out that the financial service provider could not have possibly distributed the P42 billion as only 800,000 beneficiaries had downloaded the Starpay application, when it was responsible for 6.9 million.

Assistant Secretary Glenda D. Relova explained that part of the funds covered under the Starpay contract were distributed through manual payout, which was why the app did not need to be downloaded.

StarPay, in a statement on July 5, said it already returned to DSWD the amount that were not distributed or claimed, and the rest were fully accounted for. “We have already liquidated the funds given to us and have refunded the amount for the unserved beneficiaries,” it said.

Under the Bayanihan I law in response to the coronavirus pandemic, a cash aid under the Special Amelioration Program provided P5,000 to P8,000 per month, depending on the area of residence, to low-income families for two months. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

Residents evacuated as storm Maring dumps heavy rain in northern Luzon

October 11, 2021 | 8:03 pm

Typhoon Maring — CAGAYAN RESPONDERS/CAGAYAN PIO

RESIDENTS in several villages in the province of Cagayan in northern Philippines were pre-emptively evacuated or rescued as heavy rains brought by storm Maring, with international name Kompasu, triggered flooding, landslides and river overflow.

The Cagayan provincial government said among the towns where families were evacuated include Baggao and Gonzaga.

As of weather bureau PAGASA’s bulletin at 5 p.m. Monday, tropical cyclone wind signal #2 — which means damaging gale-force to storm-force winds — was up in Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Abra, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur.

A lower wind signal #1 was up in other Luzon areas.

“Under the influence of the Southwest Monsoon enhanced by Severe Tropical Storm Maring, monsoon rains are possible over Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, and Oriental Mindoro in the next 24 hours,” PAGASA said.

Maring, the 13^th typhoon to enter the Philippine area this year, is forecasted to be out by Tuesday.

“This tropical cyclone may reach typhoon category tomorrow evening while moving over the West Philippine Sea. Weakening will likely take place on Wednesday afternoon as it interacts with the landmass of southern China,” PAGASA said. — MSJ

QC starts dry run of no-contact traffic violation apprehension system

October 11, 2021 | 8:02 pm

QC-no-contact-apprehension-PHILSTAR-MICHAELVARCAS — PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS

THE QUEZON CITY government launched on Monday its no-contact apprehension system for road violations, but no penalties will be imposed yet during the dry run for the first 30 days.

“Road safety is our priority in Quezon City and with the launch of NCAP (No Contact Apprehension Program), we commit to putting the safety of our constituents first and ensure also the safety of motorists passing through the city by strictly enforcing local traffic rules and regulations at all times,” Mayor Maria Josefina “Joy” G. Belmonte said in a statement.

After the test run, violators will be fined P2,000 for the first offense, P3,000 – P4,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 for the third offense depending on the type of violation.

The NCAP will use cameras “with artificial intelligence technology to capture, photograph, and record the conduction stickers and plate numbers of vehicles in violation of traffic rules and regulations,” the local government said.

A notice of violation will be sent to the car owner’s address within 14 days from the infraction date and payment of the fine will have to be made within 30 days.

“This is very timely during the pandemic also because it will lessen the face-to-face interaction between traffic enforcers and motorists and will therefore decrease the risk of viral transmission. Mawawala na din yung pakiusapan at ayusan (We will also eliminate potential bribery) with traffic enforcers and all motorists shall be encouraged to follow all traffic rules and regulations,” said Elmo San Diego, the city’s Department of Public Order and Safety head.

A no-contact system is also being implemented by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, which mainly covers major thoroughfares in the capital region such as EDSA. — MSJ

SC affirms CA decision vs psychologically abusive husband

October 11, 2021 | 8:02 pm

supreme-court-philstar — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE SUPREME Court (SC) has affirmed the 2018 decision of the appellate court to convict a psychologically abusive husband who evicted his wife and children from their house and lived with another woman.

In its decision promulgated on Oct. 7, the SC held that such is a violation of Republic Act (RA) 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.

The respondent was sentenced to a minimum of six months and one day to eight years and one day of imprisonment, payment of P100,000, and mandatory psychological counseling or psychiatric treatment.

The husband appealed the case before the High Court, citing that he was innocent and that not all the elements of psychological violence under RA 9262 were duly established.

The High Court said, however, that the Court of Appeals, which affirmed the decision of a Zambales Regional Trial Court that first held the husband guilty of psychological violence, “committed no reversible error in affirming the conviction of (the) petitioner” as “all the elements of the crime charged were duly established.” — Bianca Angelica D. Añago

Magnolia seeks to close out Meralco in semifinal series

October 11, 2021 | 7:14 pm

Paul-Lee-(2) — HOLDING a commanding 3-1 lead in their best-of seven PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series, the Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots seek to close out the Meralco Bolts at the first instance when they collide anew for Game Five on Wednesday. — PBA IMAGES

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior Reporter

CURRENTLY holding a commanding 3-1 lead in their best-of seven Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup semifinal series, the Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots seek to close out the Meralco Bolts at the first instance when they collide anew for Game Five on Wednesday.

The Hotshots moved on the cusp of barging into the finals of the Philippine Basketball Association All-Filipino tournament by taking Game Four, 81-69, in another grind-it-out encounter on Sunday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Magnolia turned to its defense to make it even tougher for already-undermanned Meralco, never allowing the Bolts to get their game going the way they wanted to right from the start.

Mark Barroca paced the steady and balanced attack of the Hotshots, finishing with 17 points and six assists en route to winning player of the game honors.

Now in a solid position to end the series, the Hotshots intend to do so immediately and not give Meralco any hopes of coming back.

“We have a great advantage right now and we should not give it away. We’ll take it (Game Five) whatever it takes,” Mr. Barroca said in Filipino in the press conference following their Game Four win.

They, however, admit that it is not going to be easy as Meralco is expected to put up a solid fight to keep their tournament hopes alive.

“Closing a series is tough. So we have to triple our efforts than the one we showed today to complete our goal,” said Mr. Barroca.

“We need to recharge mentally and physically for the next game. Meralco will show more effort that is for sure,” Magnolia coach Chito Victolero, for his part, said.

In the pivotal Game Four win, Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang also stepped up big, finishing with double-doubles. Mr. Abueva had 17 points and 12 rebounds while Mr. Sangalang had 17 and 11.

Jio Jalalon was the other Hotshots in double-digits in scoring with 10 points.

Veteran Reynel Hugnatan, meanwhile, led the Game Four thrust of the Bolts with 21 points and nine rebounds. Cliff Hodge and Chris Newsome scored 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Meralco played sans big man Raymond Almazan, who injured his ankle previously.

If they succeed in fashioning out a closeout, the Hotshots return to the PBA finals for the first time since 2019, where they lost to the San Miguel Beermen in the Philippine Cup Finals in seven games.

Magnolia was last PBA champion in 2018 in the Governors’ Cup.

Saso slides to finish joint fourth at Cognizant Founders Cup in New Jersey

October 11, 2021 | 7:14 pm

FILIPINA golfer Yuka Saso slid to joint fourth place at the conclusion of the Cognizant Founders Cup at West Caldwell, New Jersey, early Monday morning (Manila time).

The 20-year-old Filipino Olympian carded a 1-under 70 in the final round of play at the Mountain Ridge Country Club to take her total to 10-under 274, good for fourth and tied with Korean Jeongeun Lee6.

Jin Young Ko of Korea took the title with a four-round total of 18-under 266, with Germany’s Caroline Masson (14-under 270) and American Elizabeth Szokol (11-under 273) coming in at second and third place, respectively.

Entering the fourth round, Ms. Saso, the reigning US Women’s Open champion, was joint second place with three other players.

Her final assault to the top hit a snag early when she double-bogeyed on the par-4 third hole.

She tried to make up for it after, firing four birdies — eighth, 11^th, 13^th and 15^th holes — the rest of the way, but just could not overhaul the distance the leaders had built to eventually settle for fourth. The fourth place finish bettered Ms. Saso’s 19^th place ending in her previous tournament at the ShopRite Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Classic also in New Jersey.

It was also her fourth finish in the top 5 out of eight starts since winning the US Women’s Open title in June.

Another Filipina golfer, Dottie Ardina, meanwhile, placed at joint 33^rd, built on a four-round total of 3-under 281. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Team Lakay staying patient amid limited opportunities due to the COVID pandemic

October 11, 2021 | 7:14 pm

THE coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has effectively limited opportunities for combat sports athletes to showcase what they can do, but Baguio-based Team Lakay is staying the course, being patient as it awaits the return of events on a wider scale.

The noted mixed martial arts group, which at least has a dozen of its athletes playing in ONE Championship, has seen chances to compete narrowed for the time being with different promotions having to limit their events in accordance with various restrictions related to the pandemic.

It has not been easy, Team Lakay coach and founder Mark Sangiao said, but collectively they are managing, anchored on their passion for what they are doing.

“The current situation with the pandemic is really tough,” said Mr. Sangiao in a recent press briefing with local sports journalists.

“As a coach, I always motivate them. I always tell them to continue to be passionate… Whether you have a fight or not, you have to continue training. Good thing, they are listening and following my advice and they continue to train,” he added.

Since the pandemic hit last year, only a handful of Team Lakay fighters have seen action or had more than one fight, mostly in ONE Championship.

These include reigning ONE world strawweight champion Joshua Pacio, former champs Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon and Geje Eustaquio, young veterans Lito Adiwang and Jeremy Pacatiw and female fighter Jenelyn Olsim.

Mr. Sangiao said they completely understand the situation and are still thankful for the opportunities given to them amid the prevailing conditions, but he also said he feels for their fighters.

“I was also an athlete once and I know they are raring to see action. And they ask me when they can fight. So I share my experiences, try to motivate them so they will understand,” he said.

The Team Lakay head, however, went on to say they are confident that things will eventually improve and the likes of Honorio Banario, Danny Kingad, Edward Kelly, Stephen Loman and new ONE signee Jhanlo Sangiao will get to see action on a regular basis.

“Just be patient and continue working, eventually it will come,” Mr. Sangiao said. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Nike builds home courts for next generation of Filipinas

October 11, 2021 | 7:13 pm

IN celebration of International Day of the Girl on Oct. 11, Nike, in partnership with local nongovernment organization (NGO) Girls Got Game, unveiled restored and refurbished courts at Sacred Heart Academy School in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

The project was part of its goal of inspiring women around the world by giving them spaces to learn, grow and have fun, while increasing access to play and sport opportunities.

The courts were designed by artist and illustrator Jill Arteche, who is known for celebrating Filipina culture through her artwork.

“Kids are made to play, yet many in the Philippines, particularly young girls, do not have access to sports. Nike and Girls Got Game are investing in the future of kids by giving them access to tools and training they need for success, building confidence on and off the court by exposing them to positive female role models and breaking down barriers to create inclusive communities,” said Jino Ferrer, country marketing manager, Nike Philippines, of their latest project.

“We hope to inspire the next generation of Filipina girls to view the refurbished courts as a symbol of their goals and dreams and that accomplishing these, however small, is what brings a sense of achievement,” he added.

Illustrated on the outdoor court, which represents the “Now,” are the young girls learning sports like volleyball, basketball, rugby and football while the indoor court features the young girls’ ambitions of the “Future” by becoming doctors, leaders and athletes, a reminder that their dreams are within reach.

For Mariana Lopa, managing director of Girls Got Game, there is no denying that “sport has the power to transform a person, a community and even the world,” which is why they are taking special pride with their partnership with Nike.

She went on to say that women have the power to be change-makers, too, something they make it a point to highlight in their sports clinics.

“Through our sports clinics, we coach them to build confidence and realize their full potential so they can have an equitable future,” Ms. Lopa said.

Girls Got Game sports camps have so far helped more than 2,500 young girls across the Philippines in the 10-14 year old age group who come primarily from economically challenged households.

Just like much of affairs in sports, Girls Got Game was made to adapt with the pandemic, launching the “GGG Club” wherein it conducts sports camps online.

Both Nike and Girls Got Game view the home court as bringing a shift towards the future of sports as it will be a permanent safe place where aspiring Filipina athletes can socialize, express themselves freely and experience the joys of sport.

The International Day of the Girl is celebrated by the United Nations. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Christian Vazquez hits walk-off blast in 13^th as Red Sox trim Rays

October 11, 2021 | 7:13 pm

CHRISTIAN Vazquez hit a two-run homer with one out in the bottom of the 13^th inning as the Boston Red Sox got a walk-off win over the visiting Tampa Bay Rays (6-4) in Game 3 of their American League Division Series (ALDS) on Sunday.

Vazquez smacked the first pitch he saw from Rays reliever Luis Patino (0-1) into the Green Monster seats in left-center field after Hunter Renfroe drew a one-out walk. Red Sox pitcher Nick Pivetta (1-0) earned the win after striking out seven over four scoreless innings of relief.

“I just gave it my all,” Pivetta said. “My energy shows what this means and what this means to our team.”

Boston took a 2-1 lead in the series and can close out the best-of-five set in Game 4 on Monday night, also at Fenway Park. The game coincides with the twice-postponed 125^th Boston Marathon, and the Red Sox traditionally host a late-morning game on the day of the Marathon.

Tampa Bay nearly took the lead in the top of the 13^th after Kevin Kiermaier’s double hit off the short wall in right field and bounced over the wall after it ricocheted off the right fielder Renfroe. After a review, Kiermaier was awarded a ground-rule double -— holding Yandy Diaz at third base. Diaz would have scored had the ball stayed in play.

Renfroe said he “was actually going for the catch, happened to look up, the wall was right there… Thankfully it bounced over the fence.”

Kiermaier called the play “a heartbreaker.”

“I’m still, I’m just in awe right now,” he said right after the game. “You know, that’s the ruling. The umpires explained it to me, so I can’t go against that. The rules are what they are. But man, that’s a heartbreaker. I can’t believe that happened or we don’t get the chance to score right there.”

Boston’s Enrique Hernandez (3 for 6) hit a first-inning single, a tying RBI single in the third and a solo homer in the fifth inning, which gave him his franchise-record seventh consecutive postseason hit in as many plate appearances.

Hernandez went 5-for-6 with a solo homer and three RBIs in the Red Sox’s 14-6 win Friday in Game 2 at Tampa Bay. He became the first player to record eight hits over a two-game span during a single postseason.

Red Sox starter Nathan Eovaldi allowed two runs over five innings, giving up three hits and a walk while striking out eight to match his playoff career high set Oct. 5 in the AL wild card win over the New York Yankees.

Austin Meadows hit a two-run homer and Wander Franco added a solo blast for Tampa Bay. Rays opener Drew Rasmussen allowed three runs on six hits, walked none and struck out one in two-plus innings.

Meadows homered over the Rays’ bullpen in right field to put Tampa Bay up 2-0 in the first. Kyle Schwarber cut Boston’s deficit in half in the home first with his leadoff homer onto the Green Monster in left-center on Rasmussen’s second pitch of the game.

Hernandez and Rafael Devers added RBI singles in the third to put Boston ahead 3-2. After Hernandez homered in the fifth, the Rays pulled within a run on Franco’s home run to left-center to lead off the eighth.

Randy Arozarena tied it at 4-4 for Tampa Bay with his two-out double later in the inning.

“They were a swing better than us tonight when it comes down to it,” Kiermaier said. “What a great game to be a part of. I’m proud to take that field with these guys and playing such a good team over there. This is what it’s all about.” — Reuters

NFL Roundup: Cards stay unbeaten, knock off Trey Lance, 49ers

October 11, 2021 | 7:12 pm

THE Arizona Cardinals spoiled rookie Trey Lance’s National Football League (NFL) starting debut with a first-quarter interception and four fourth-down stops on Sunday afternoon to pave the way for a 17-10 victory over the visiting San Francisco 49ers.

Lance got the better of rival Kyler Murray in total yards, but the Arizona star threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins with 5:13 remaining to allow the Cardinals (5-0) to retain their status as the league’s only unbeaten team.

James Conner scored Arizona’s only other touchdown on a one-yard run just 5:58 into the game, after the Cardinals took advantage of Lance’s biggest mistake, an overthrown ball on just his second attempt that went straight to safety Budda Baker.

Lance, the No. 3 overall pick of this year’s draft, went 15-for-29 for 192 yards and added a game-high 89 rushing yards on 16 carries. Deebo Samuel scored on a 13-yard run in the third quarter for the 49ers (2-3).

Chargers 47, Browns 42: Austin Ekeler scored three fourth-quarter touchdowns and Los Angeles overcame a 14-point deficit in the second-half to defeat Cleveland in Inglewood, CA.

Justin Herbert finished with a career-high 398 passing yards and completed 26 of 43 passes for the Chargers (4-1). Herbert threw four touchdown passes and no interceptions. He also ran for a score.

Cleveland running backs Nick Chubb (161 yards) and Kareem Hunt (61) combined for three touchdowns, including a 52-yard scoring burst for Chubb. Baker Mayfield completed 23 of 32 passes for 305 yards and two scores. David Njoku led the Browns (3-2) with seven receptions for 149 receiving yards, including a 71-yard run and catch for a score.

Cowboys 44, Giants 20: Dak Prescott threw for 302 yards and three touchdowns as Dallas overcame a slew of first-half mistakes to knock off shorthanded New York in Arlington, TX.

Prescott completed 22 of 32 passes, making up for a sloppy first half in which he tossed an interception and lost a fumble. Ezekiel Elliott added 110 yards and a late touchdown on 21 rushes as Dallas (4-1) assumed a two-game lead on Philadelphia and Washington in the National Football Conference (NFC) East.

New York hung with the Cowboys for just over a half before its injury-riddled offense simply couldn’t keep pace. The Giants (1-4) lost running back Saquon Barkley (ankle), quarterback Daniel Jones (concussion) and receiver Kenny Golladay in the first half.

Falcons 27, Jets 20: Matt Ryan became the seventh NFL player to complete 5,000 passes in his career as he threw for 342 yards and two touchdowns to lift Atlanta over New York in London.

Ryan (57,099) also moved past former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (57,023) into eighth place in all-time passing yards. Rookie Kyle Pitts (nine catches, 119 yards) and fellow tight end Hayden Hurst each reeled in a touchdown pass for the Falcons (2-3)

Reigning NFL Rookie of the Week Zach Wilson completed 19 of 32 passes 192 yards and one interception for New York (1-4).

Steelers 27, Broncos 19: Ben Roethlisberger passed for 253 yards and two touchdowns, Najee Harris rushed for 122 yards and a score and host Pittsburgh beat Denver.

Chase Claypool had five catches for 130 yards and a touchdown and Diontae Johnson had 72 yards receiving and a score for the Steelers (2-3). Harris rushed 23 times and Roethlisberger completed 15 of 25 passes.

Teddy Bridgewater was 24-of-38 passing for 288 yards and two touchdowns, and Courtland Sutton had seven receptions for 120 yards and a score for Denver (3-2).

Patriots 25, Texans 22: Nick Folk drilled a 21-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining and New England rallied past from 13 points down early in the third quarter to host Houston.

Folk, who missed a PAT following the first Patriots touchdown, finished 4-of-4 on field goals, including a pair of 52-yarders. The Patriots (2-3) rallied behind rookie quarterback Mac Jones, who passed for 231 yards and a 13-yard touchdown to Hunter Henry early in the fourth quarter, plus a serviceable ground attack.

Texans rookie quarterback Davis Mills passed for 312 yards and three touchdowns, including a 37-yarder to Chris Conley on a flea-flicker for a 22-9 lead early in the third.

Buccaneers 45, Dolphins 17: Tom Brady passed for 411 yards and matched his season high of five touchdowns to lead Tampa Bay to victory over visiting Miami.

Antonio Brown caught seven passes for 124 yards and two scores and Mike Evans had six receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns for Tampa Bay (4-1). Brown became the fastest player in NFL history to reach 900 career receptions. He reached the milestone in his 143^rd game, topping Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison (149).

Jacoby Brissett was 27-of-39 passing for 275 yards, two touchdowns and one interception for the Dolphins (1-4). Myles Gaskin caught two scoring passes for the second time in his career and collected a career-high 10 receptions while accumulating 99 total yards.

Eagles 21, Panthers 18: Jalen Hurts ran for a 6-yard touchdown and threw a two-point conversion pass with 2:38 remaining as Philadelphia took the lead for the first time en route to beating Carolina in Charlotte, NC.

Hurts had two touchdown runs and was 22-for-37 for 198 passing yards with an interception as the Eagles (2-3) snapped a three-game skid.

Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold was shaky, going 21-for-37 for 177 yards with a touchdown throw and three interceptions. Running back Chuba Hubbard gained 101 yards on 24 carries, and Zane Gonzalez kicked three field goals for Carolina (3-2), which lost its second game in a row.

Vikings 19, Lions 17: Greg Joseph kicked a 54-yard field goal as time expired and Minnesota escaped after squandering a late 10-point lead, beating the winless Detroit in Minneapolis.

A pair of pass plays from Kirk Cousins (25 of 34 for 275 yards) to Adam Thielen totaling 40 yards set up the winning kick. Detroit had gone ahead with 37 seconds remaining on D’Andre Swift’s scoring run and a two-point conversion pass.

Minnesota (2-3) defeated Detroit (0-5) for the eighth consecutive time. Alexander Mattison rushed for 113 yards and also caught a touchdown pass from Cousins. Mattison started in place of Dalvin Cook, who was inactive due to an ankle injury.

Titans 37, Jaguars 19: Derrick Henry ran for three touchdowns as Tennessee handed host Jacksonville its 20^th consecutive loss.

Henry finished with 130 yards on 29 carries, his fourth straight 100-yard game, as Tennessee (3-2) maintained its AFC South lead. Ryan Tannehill completed 14 of 22 passes for 197 yards, hitting five passes for 20 yards or more against a defense stacked to stop Henry.

Trevor Lawrence connected on 23 of 33 passes for 273 yards for the Jaguars (0-5), accounting for a touchdown with his arm and his legs. Jacksonville also got a career-high 149 yards and a score from James Robinson on just 18 rushes.

Packers 25, Bengals 22 (OT): Mason Crosby kicked a 49-yard field goal with 1:55 left in overtime to give Green Bay an overtime win over host Cincinnati.

Crosby atoned for missing three field goals in the final 2:12 of regulation and overtime, including a 51-yarder at the end of regulation and a 40-yarder that would have won the game with 8:08 left in overtime. Cincinnati’s Evan McPherson missed a 49-yard field goal with 4:14 left in overtime.

Aaron Rodgers went 27-of-39 passing for 344 yards, two touchdowns and one interception for the Packers (4-1), while Joe Burrow went 26-of-38 passing for 281 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in defeat for the Bengals (3-2). Burrow later went to a hospital to be evaluated for a throat contusion.

Saints 33, Washington 22: Jameis Winston threw four touchdown passes, including a Hail Mary 49-yarder at the end of the first half, as visiting New Orleans defeated Washington.

Winston completed 15 of 30 passes for 279 yards and overcame an interception and a lost fumble to lead the Saints (3-2). Two of his touchdown passes went to Marquez Callaway and one each went to Alvin Kamara, who also rushed for a touchdown, and Deonte Harris.

Antonio Gibson ran for two touchdowns and Taylor Heinicke completed 20 of 41 for 248 yards with two interceptions for Washington (2-3).

Bears 20, Raiders 9: Justin Fields passed for 111 yards and a touchdown to lead visiting Chicago to a victory over Las Vegas.

Fields completed 12-of-20 passes in his first start since being named the permanent starter for the Bears (3-2), who got plenty of help from a ground game that rolled up 143 yards. Khalil Herbert, a rookie from Virginia Tech, led the way with 75 yards on 18 carries, while Damien Williams rushed for 64 yards and a touchdown.

Roquan Smith had 10 tackles and Khalil Mack had eight tackles and a sack to lead Chicago’s defense, which held Las Vegas, which was averaging 406.5 yards in total offense, to just 259 yards. — Reuters

Mbappé winner as France beats Spain in Nations League final

October 11, 2021 | 7:12 pm

MILAN — World champions France won the Nations League final with goals from Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappé earning them a 2-1 win over Spain at the San Siro stadium on Sunday.

Didier Deschamps side had struggled to get a foothold in the game during a first half dominated by Spain, but after going a goal down, following Mikel Oyarzabal’s strike, they came alive.

With Paul Pogba excellent in midfield, Mbappé’s speed and movement stretching Spain and Benzema a constant threat, the French were good value for their victory.

“We showed our character against a very strong team. We never gave up,” said Benzema.

“It shows what great teams do — never panic, be patient and wait for the right time.”

Luis Enrique’s young Spain side, who had beaten European champions Italy in the semifinals, had played their trademark possession football with patience and precision, but in the end could not compensate for the absence of a genuine striker.

“It was a difficult defeat,” said Spain’s France-born defender Aymeric Laporte.

“We have proven to be a great team despite our youth, we have shown better football than them, but what counts is the result.”

The first half was a relatively subdued affair with Spain moving the ball well, but without dangerous penetration while France were disrupted by the loss to injury of center-half Raphaël Varane.

But both sides were awoken after the break when France full-back Theo Hernández thundered a shot against the underside of the bar after a swift break.

Spain responded to that warning in clinical fashion, taking the lead when Oyarzabal latched on to a long pass from Sergio Busquets, held off Dayot Upamecano and fired into the bottom corner.

The French response was swift, however, with Mbappé finding Benzema who cut inside before unleashing a brilliant curling shot into the far corner to make it 1-1.

Mbappé then grabbed the winner, 10 minutes from the end, racing on to a through ball from Hernandez and keeping his cool to slot past Unai Simón.

Spain protested that Mbappé was offside when he received the ball, but the video assistant referee (VAR) check found a slight touch from defender Eric García had played the France striker onside.

France had keeper Hugo Lloris to thank for two late saves as Deschamps’s side held on for the victory against intense Spanish pressure.

Lloris got down well to keep out a low shot from Oyarzabal in the 89^th minute and then in stoppage time he reacted superbly to parry a strike from substitute Yeremi Pino.

Nations League, in just its second edition, remains clearly Union of European Football Associations’ (UEFA) secondary tournament for national sides, as the Italian fans singing of their team’s Euro 2020 triumph reminded, but that didn’t dampen France’s celebrations.

“We did not get off to a good start; we were dominated and waited until the first goal to react,” said Pogba, who was crucial to France’s response.

“We know we have to do better. But if it’s the way we have to win, so be it. Winning a trophy is always good. We’re always hungry for those,” he added.

Earlier on Sunday, Italy had claimed third-place in the Final Four tournament by beating Belgium 2-1 in Turin. — Reuters