Magic hand Lakers third straight defeat, Bulls beat Nuggets

Sports

March 26, 2025

LOS ANGELES (AFP) – The Los Angeles Lakers suffered another setback in their NBA playoff push, falling 118-106 to the Orlando Magic, who notched their first home victory since February.

Despite 32 points from Luka Doncic and 24 from LeBron James the Lakers dropped their third straight game and at 43-28 are now tied with the Memphis Grizzlies in the battle for fourth place in the Western Conference.

Franz Wagner scored 32 points and Paolo Banchero added 30 for the Magic, who out-scored the Lakers 34-18 in the third quarter to seize control of the contest.

The defeat follows the Lakers’ blowout loss to the Chicago Bulls in James’s first game back after missing seven with a groin injury.

The Bulls knocked off another Western Conference contender, beating the short-handed Nuggets 129-119 in Denver for a third straight victory.

The Lakers had hoped James, Doncic and a newly healthy Rui Hachimura would fuel a strong stretch run. The Oklahoma City Thunder are assured of the top seed in the West but the Nuggets, Lakers and Grizzlies are all within two and a half games of the second-placed Houston Rockets.

Doncic said the Lakers need to recapture the intensity they displayed in an eight-game winning streak that had briefly pushed them to second in the West.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero goes between Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt and guard Gabe Vincent for a shot. PHOTO: AP

“We were physical. We played hell of a defence,” Doncic said. “And I think we just got a little bit satisfied. We can’t afford that right now.”

The Lakers led by nine in the first half and cut a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to seven with 5:39 remaining, but the Magic – eighth in the Eastern Conference – swiftly pulled away again.

The Nuggets were still clinging to third in the West after falling to the Bulls, who were fueled by 37 points from Coby White – his third straight game of 35 or more.

Josh Giddey added 26 points, eight rebounds and nine assists and six Chicago players scored in double figures as the Bulls, ninth in the East, rallied from an early 13-point deficit.

The Nuggets led by four early in the fourth quarter, but with NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic again sidelined with an ankle injury and Aaron Gordon absent they couldn’t stop the Bulls’ late surge.

The defending champion Boston Celtics cruised to a sixth straight victory, but their 113-95 win over the Kings in Sacramento was marred by an injury to All-Star Jayson Tatum.

Tatum scored 25 points with seven rebounds and eight assists before departing in the third quarter after rolling his ankle when he came down from a shot on the foot of Kings center Domantas Sabonis – who was assessed a flagrant foul.

Tatum stayed in the game long enough to take his free throws before he was helped to the locker room.

Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton posted his 11th straight double-double, delivering 24 points and 11 assists to propel the Pacers to a fifth straight victory, 119-103 over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Obi Toppin made six three-pointers on the way to 20 points for the Pacers, whose lead over Milwaukee for fourth place in the East stood at two games after the Bucks fell 108-106 to the Suns in Phoenix.

Devin Booker was the hero for the Suns, drilling a step back basket with 2.4 seconds remaining to seal the win in a game that featured 15 lead changes, six of them in the fourth quarter.

Kevin Durant led all scorers with 38 points for Phoenix, Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the Bucks with 31. The Dallas Mavericks welcomed Anthony Davis back to action with a victory, beating the Nets 120-101 in Brooklyn.

Davis returned after missing six weeks with an adductor injury – suffered in his first game for the Mavs after the stunning trade that brought him from the Lakers in exchange for Doncic.

Davis scored 12 points on six-of-nine shooting in 26 minutes on the floor and said afterward he “felt great” physically and overcame any mental jitters “in the first minute or so”.

South Korea’s consumer sentiment falls in March amid growth worries

Business

March 26, 2025

ANN/THE KOREA HERALD – South Korea’s consumer sentiment worsened in March, driven by growing concerns over the country’s economic growth, weak domestic demand and slowing exports, the central bank reported yesterday.

The composite consumer sentiment index dropped to 93.4 this month, a decrease of 1.8 points from February, according to a survey by the Bank of Korea (BOK).

This marks the first decline in three months, following a recovery from a two-year low of 88.2 in December.

The index had rebounded to 91.2 in January and increased further to 95.2 in February.

A reading below 100 indicates more pessimists than optimists, reflecting the negative outlook held by consumers regarding South Korea’s economic prospects.

Consumers expect national economic conditions and the job market to worsen in the coming months, with exports slowing and growth forecasts being revised downward for 2025.

The BOK also noted a negative outlook on household income and private spending, with heightened concerns over growth momentum amid uncertainties surrounding the United States tariff policies and domestic political challenges.

The central bank has forecast the South Korean economy will grow by just 1.5 per cent in 2025, a sharp slowdown from last year’s two per cent expansion.

Australia announces new stadium for 2032 Olympics

Sports

March 26, 2025

SYDNEY (AFP) – Australia will build a 63,000-seat stadium and a plush indoor swimming venue for the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, officials said yesterday after shelving contentious earlier plans.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli detailed a slew of Olympic upgrades that included the new Brisbane Stadium in the heart of the city, and an aquatic centre that could host 25,000 fans.

“Finally, Queensland has a plan. The time has come to just get on with it. And get on with it we will,” Crisafulli told reporters.

The Queensland capital was awarded the 2032 summer Olympics and Paralympics in July 2021, returning the Games to Australia for a third time after Melbourne 1956 and then Sydney 2000.

Two years ago, the state’s then centre-left Labor government announced plans to expand the famous Gabba cricket ground and create a new 17,000-seat indoor stadium for the Games.

Asia a potential global leader in emerging green technologies

Business

March 26, 2025

XINHUA – Asia is rapidly advancing in emerging green technologies, positioning itself as a potential leader in advanced battery materials, biodegradable plastics, among others, boosted by strong industrial capabilities and policy support, according to a report by the
Boao Forum for Asia released yesterday.

Titled Sustainable Development: Asia and the World Annual Report 2025 – Addressing Climate Change: Asia Going Green, the report highlights the region’s progress in renewable energy.

The report notes that China now sources 85 per cent of its new energy capacity from renewables, while Indonesia and Singapore are leading efforts in carbon capture and storage, per the report.

China, Japan and Korea dominate the global supply chain for lithium battery technology, a crucial driver of transport electrification, the report highlights.

Meanwhile, China is at the forefront of Asia’s expanding green hydrogen industry, with the region accounting for nearly 70 per cent of the world’s hydrogen electrolyser capacity.

Asia’s largest emitters, including China, India, Indonesia, Japan and Saudi Arabia, have set ambitious climate targets, according to the report.

For instance, most of ASEAN economies have developed comprehensive national climate action strategies and action plans to implement their Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans. Despite significant progress, the report points out that while some countries have demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability, others still have a long way to go.

Asia’s role in mitigating climate change is critical as it is home to over half of the world’s population, generates about half of the global gross domestic product and accounts for more than half of global carbon dioxide emissions.

File photo shows wind power equipment at a low carbon-dioxide emission industrial park in Sheyang, Yancheng, east China’s Jiangsu Province. PHOTO: XINHUA

De Minaur ends Fonseca challenge, Zverev marches on in Miami

Sports

March 26, 2025

MIAMI GARDENS (AFP) – Australia’s Alex de Minaur put an end to Brazilian talent Joao Fonseca’s challenge at the Miami Open, outlasting the 18-year-old 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 in an enthralling contest.

Attendance on stadium court had been sparse throughout Monday, but the Hard Rock Stadium turned into a mini-Maracana Stadium for Fonseca’s match, complete with Brazilian flags and football-style chanting.

Fonseca brought his energetic brand of ultra-attacking tennis, but De Minaur was up to the challenge, coping with both the blistering forehands and the partisan crowd.

Such was the dominance of Fonseca’s raucous support that the referee switched to Portuguese for his appeals for quiet.

But de Minaur won six of the final seven games to move into the fourth round, keeping his cool even when the crowd, at times, disrupted his serve preparation.

“Mentally I was ready for this match, I knew I was not only going to play an incredible talent like Joao, playing with immense confidence and nothing to lose, but also an incredible crowd that was on his side from the first point until the last,” de Minaur said.

“One of my biggest strengths is my mentality and that is what got me the win today,” he added.

Alex de Minaur of Australia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. PHOTO: AFP

Top seed Alexander Zverev recovered from a slow start to power into the fourth round of the Miami Open with a 7-5, 6-4 win against Australia’s Jordan Thompson.

The German was 4-1 down in the first set but then went on a roll, winning eight of the next nine games to progress.

Zverev lost in the opening round at Indian Wells, but with Carlos Alcaraz already out in Miami he will fancy his chances of adding to his list of seven Masters 1000 titles.

Third-seed Taylor Fritz also moved into the fourth round beating Denis Shapovalov of Canada 7-5, 6-3.

The American let slip a 5-2 lead in the first set, but regained control with his serve proving too much for Shapovalov.

In the women’s draw, third-seed Coco Gauff’s bid ended with a 6-4 6-4 loss to Poland’s Magda Linette.

Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka eased her way into the last eight with a 6-4, 6-4 win over last year’s winner Danielle Collins of the United States.

Next, Sabalenka will be up against ninth seeded Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen who reached her second consecutive WTA 1000 quarter-final, with a straight-sets win over Ashlyn Krueger.

“I’m super happy to get this win in straight sets and happy with the level I played today,” said Sabalenka.

“She’s a tough opponent, and we had a lot of tough and tricky matches in the past. So was very happy to get through this one,” she added.

Italy’s Jasmine Paolini enjoyed a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 comeback win over Naomi Osaka in 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Since her comeback from maternity leave 15 months ago, Osaka has been showing some signs of getting back towards her best but Paolini was the first top 10 player Osaka has faced this year.

Chinese EV maker reports 2024 revenue over USD100B, topping Tesla’s sales

Business

March 26, 2025

AFP – Chinese carmaker BYD saw a surge in revenue last year, a stock filing showed, surpassing the USD100 billion mark and beating rival Tesla as the electric vehicle (EV) giant accelerates its overseas expansion.

The Shenzhen-based firm has emerged in recent years as the clear leader in China’s highly competitive EV market, which is the largest in the world.

It is also increasingly seeking new growth channels abroad, vowing to conquer the European market with a new compact electric model and super-fast charging capabilities to rival continental brands.

BYD recorded CNY777.1 billion (USD107.2 billion) in revenue for 2024, a statement published at the Shenzhen stock exchange showed.

That figure eclipsed the USD97.7 billion in revenue last year announced previously by Tesla.

A production line of BYD in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province. PHOTO: XINHUA

The Chinese juggernaut’s push into Europe comes at a challenging juncture for Tesla, whose sales in the continent have dropped following Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk’s support for far-right political groups there.

BYD’s revenue results represent a 29-per-cent increase from the previous year and outperformed a Bloomberg forecast of CNY766 billion.

Meanwhile, BYD’s net profit last year amounted to CNY40.3 billion, up 34 per cent from 2023 and reaching a record high.

In a further promising sign, the company’s net profit in the final quarter of the year reached a record amount of CNY15 billion, the stock filing showed.

BYD – which adopts the English slogan ‘Build Your Dreams’ – has enjoyed a giddy few months of surging sales disclosures and soaring stock prices.

It said in January that it sold nearly 4.3 million vehicles last year, up more than 40 per cent from the previous year.

Monthly sales also jumped 161 per cent in February to 318,000 units, easily outpacing a steep decline at Tesla over the same period.

Shell plans to cut more costs, boost gas sales

Business

March 26, 2025

AFP – British energy giant Shell yesterday announced plans to slash costs by billions of dollars and increase shareholder returns, as it focuses on its liquified natural gas (LNG) business.

Shell aims to reduce costs by between USD5 billion to USD7 billion by 2028, compared with 2022 levels, the company said in a statement ahead of its investor event in New York.

That is an increase from its previous target of USD2 billion to USD3 billion in cost reductions by the end of 2025, which had involved hundreds of job cuts in its oil and gas division.

The London-based group said it aims to grow sales of LNG by four to five percent a year until 2030, while holding oil production flat.

Chelsea eye permanent Sancho deal despite cancel clause

Sports

March 26, 2025

LONDON (AFP) – Chelsea are willing to sign Jadon Sancho on a permanent deal from Manchester United despite a GBP5 million (USD6.4 million) clause that would allow them to cancel the deal, according to reports.

Sancho moved to Chelsea on loan in August in a deal that reportedly included an obligation for Chelsea to buy the winger for GBP25 million.

But after a promising start to life at Stamford Bridge, the 24-year-old’s form has dipped and details have emerged of a way out for the west London club if they paid a cancellation fee.

With just two goals in all competitions and none since December, Sancho has struggled to hold down a regular place in Enzo Maresca’s side as they chase qualification for next season’s Champions League.

However, Sancho’s permanent transfer is reportedly still expected to go ahead as planned, with Chelsea hoping he can recapture the form that helped Borussia Dortmund reach the Champions League final during a loan spell last season.

Maresca has repeatedly said he is happy with Sancho’s displays, insisting he has been surprised by how much he has progressed following his acrimonious departure from Old Trafford.

Sancho was involved in a public spat last season with former United boss Erik ten Hag and did not make another appearance before being loaned to Dortmund.

Chelsea were linked with United winger Alejandro Garnacho in January and could move to strengthen in that position in the close season even if they sign Sancho.

Chelsea’s Jadon Sancho challenges for the ball with Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Mikel Merino. PHOTO: AP

Partey, Kudus strike as leaders Ghana crush Madagascar

Sports

March 26, 2025

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) – Thomas Partey scored twice and fellow Premier League midfielder Mohammed Kudus once as Ghana outplayed Madagascar 3-0 in a top-of-the-table African 2026 World Cup qualifying group match.

Captain Jordan Ayew created all three goals to complete a successful night for Premier League players as Ghana built a five-point lead over second-placed Madagascar in Group I.

Adding to the joy in the Ghana camp was the fact that Mali, the top seeds in the group, surprisingly dropped two points in a 0-0 draw with the Central African Republic in Casablanca, Morocco.

Ghana, seeking a fifth World Cup appearance, have 15 points, Madagascar 10, Mali and the Comoros nine each, the Central African Republic five and Chad none.

Arsenal midfielder Partey scored both goals with his head. He finished an Ayew free-kick on 11 minutes and a corner taken by the Leicester City veteran on 53 minutes. West Ham United star Kudus completed the scoring on 58 minutes. He raced on to an Ayew pass and fired past Luxembourg-based goalkeeper Geordan Dupire.

Having crushed the Central African Republic 4-1 last week in their first match under coach and former France midfielder Corentin Martins, more was expected of Madagascar against Ghana.

But they never threatened the Black Stars defence in Moroccan coastal city Al Hoceima, where Madagascar hosted the match as they are among 21 African nations who lack FIFA-approved venues.

Tesla’s EU sales plunge 49pc year-on-year in first two months

Business

March 26, 2025

AFP – European sales of Tesla electric cars dropped 49 per cent in January-February compared with the same period a year earlier, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) said yesterday.

Ageing models are one factor behind the plunge so far this year, but e-vehicle clients may also be refusing to buy in protest of Tesla’s billionaire owner Elon Musk since he became a key supporter of United States (US) President Donald Trump.

Musk has been leading a vocal and divisive cost-cutting drive at the head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Several Tesla dealerships around the US have been vandalised in recent weeks and the company’s stock price has plummeted over the past month.

New Tesla registrations in the European Union fell to 19,046 in the first two months of the year, giving the company a market share of just 1.1 per cent, the ACEA said.

In February alone, Tesla registrations were down 47 per cent at 11,743.

The sales drop came even as overall electric vehicle (EV) sales jumped 28.4 per cent over the first two months of this year to 255,489 – for an European Union (EU) market share of 15.2 per cent.

But for ACEA Director General Sigrid de Vries, “The latest new car registration figures confirm that market demand for battery EVs remains below the level needed for the transition to zero-emission mobility to progress.”

She cited a need for tax and purchasing incentives for clients and investments in recharging stations, at a time when the EU is preparing to ease emission reduction targets for struggling European automakers.

Hybrid-EVs continued to be the biggest market segment in the first two months of the year, rising to 594,059 registrations – for a 35.2-per-cent market share.

That outpaced both petrol and diesel models, with market shares of 29.1 per cent and 9.7 per cent in February.

Borneo Bulletin OnlineThe Independent Newspaper in Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Sarawak

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