Mitchell magic takes Cavs to 12-0 as Bulls beaten

Sports

November 13, 2024

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell shoots a three-point basket against Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu. PHOTO: AP

LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Donovan Mitchell scored 36 points as the unbeaten Cleveland Cavaliers came from behind once more to preserve their 100 per cent start to the season with a 119-113 victory over the Chicago Bulls yesterday.

The Cavaliers, who overcame a 14-point deficit to beat Brooklyn on Saturday, were again forced to dig deep, battling back from nine points down in the third quarter for a road victory that takes them to 12-0 for the season.

Mitchell led another fine all-round offensive performance from Cleveland, who have emerged as the surprise package of the season and are the only undefeated team in the league.

Six Cleveland players finished in double figures, with point guard Darius Garland adding 17 points and Evan Mobley 15. Caris LeVert, Georges Niang and Ty Jerome all had 12 points each off the bench.

Chicago, meanwhile, were left ruing their inability to take full advantage after pulling into an 85-76 lead with just over four minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Instead, Cleveland came roaring back with a 9-0 run to tie the game and then pulled ahead to lead by three points heading into the fourth quarter, before closing out victory by outscoring Chicago 24-21 in the final frame.

Zach LaVine led Chicago’s scorers with 26 points while Coby White and Nikola Vucevic had 20 points apiece. The Bulls fell to 4-7 with the loss.

“We dug deep,” Mitchell said after the win. “Honestly, the bench saved us. Starters were a little fatigued and I guess teams are coming at us. But we persevered, and shoutout to the bench for that. It’s a group effort.

“For us to continue to be what we want to be, that’s what it’s going to take. It was a complete team win… every night it’s somebody different. We’re playing for each other, being selfless. We’ve got to keep it going.”

WEMBY SPARKS SPURS

In other games, French star Victor Wembanyama cut loose with 34 points, 14 rebounds and six assists to help the San Antonio Spurs to a 116-96 blowout against the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento started brightly, moving into a 26-22 lead after the first quarter.

But San Antonio took charge in the second quarter, pouring in 38 points including seven three-pointers to move into a lead that they never relinquished thereafter.

All of San Antonio’s starters post double-digit points tallies, with Julian Champagnie adding 13 points and veteran Chris Paul 12.

THUNDER STRIKES BACK

The Oklahoma City Thunder meanwhile bounced back from Monday’s home defeat to Golden State with a gutsy 134-128 home defeat of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Oklahoma City’s defeat on Monday had been overshadowed by a gloomy injury update to towering young star Chet Holmgren, who was confirmed to have suffered a fractured pelvis after falling to the court against the Warriors.

However the Thunder showed no sign of a hangover from that loss on Monday, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander erupting for 45 points in a virtuoso performance.

Jalen Williams added 28 points while Luguentz Dort finished with 19.

In other games on Monday, the Brooklyn Nets downed the New Orleans Pelicans 107-105 on the road, while the Houston Rockets cruised past the Washington Wizards 107-92.

‘Solid’ Zverez eases past Rublev as Alcaraz falters against Ruud

Sports

November 13, 2024

Germany’s Alexander Zverev hits a return to Russia’s Andrey Rublev during their match at the ATP Finals tennis tournament. PHOTO: AFP

TURIN (AFP) – Alexander Zverev opened his campaign at the ATP Finals in Turin on Monday evening by dispatching Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-4 in their round-robin opener.

In the afternoon match, Casper Ruud romped through the opening set before fighting back from 5-2 behind in the second to beat an out-sorts Carlos Alcaraz 6-1, 7-5.

Germany’s Zverev had last faced Russian Rublev at the same stage of the finals in 2023 and won by the same score.

Zverev, a two-time winner of this event in 2018 and 2021, moved to second in the John Newcombe group, behind Norway’s Ruud.

The 27-year-old Zverev, the recent winner of the Paris Masters 1000, has climbed back to number two in the world this season. After an injury-hit 2022 season he had briefly dropped out of the top 25 in 2023.

“I was never sure I was going to get back to this level,” Zverev said on the court in Turin.

“Second year in a row for me here. I still want to get better. I still want to improve on a few things. We’ll see how next year goes.”

Rublev held to love in his first three service games. He won a 13th straight point on serve to open the crucial seventh game, but Zverev then won the next four to break to 15.

Zverev did not allow a break point against his serve all match and converted immediately both times he had the chance. “I thought it was a very solid match from my end,” said Zverev.

“Andrey is an incredible player, but everyone who plays here is an unbelievable player.

“Against anyone here, you have to play your best to have a chance, you have to be solid, mentally strong. I feel like I did that today, I felt like I used my chances quite well and I’m obviously happy with this win.”

Earlier Alcaraz, the world number three got off to a shaky start to his maiden ATP Finals, making 34 unforced errors in an uncharacteristically errant display.

“I’m tired. I’m tired mentally,” said Alcaraz, who won the French Open and Wimbledon titles earlier this year.

“Obviously a lot of matches, really tight schedule, really demanding year with not too many days off, not too many periods for you could rest.

“Some players deal with it better than others.”

Alcaraz said he had struggled with sickness and adapting to the indoor surface.

“A few days before coming here, I got sick at home,” said the Spaniard. “I don’t like to sound like I’m making excuses but today I didn’t feel well on court.”

Philippine economy to grow 6.3pc in 2025 amid domestic recovery

Business

November 13, 2024

ANN/Philippine Daily Inquirer – The Philippine economy is expected to grow by 6.3 per cent in 2025, according to a report released on Monday by BMI Research, part of the Fitch Group.

This projection is slightly higher than this year’s forecast, driven by a recovery in domestic activity and resilient demand.

BMI Research highlights that an uptick in private consumption will support growth, as inflation dropped from a high of 4.4 per cent in July to 2.3 per cent in October, which is likely to boost real household incomes.

The report also pointed to strong import performance as a sign of rising household spending and noted that labour market conditions remain stable. Recent data show a slight dip in unemployment, from 4.0 per cent in August to 3.7 per cent in September, alongside a small rise in the labour force participation rate.

However, BMI Research flagged some downside risks, particularly related to trade policy changes in the United States (US) under newly elected President Donald Trump. Trump has proposed tariffs of up to 20 per cent on all US imports, a move that could impact the Philippines, given its close trade ties with the US.

Poland hoping Swiatek can inspire BJK Cup ‘revenge’ against Spain

Sports

November 13, 2024

MÁLAGA (AFP) – Poland head into their first-round clash with hosts Spain at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals buoyed by the presence of Iga Swiatek and dreaming of a first-ever title in the team event.

The Poles have finished bottom of their group in each of the past two years without five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek, but she will be making her debut in the revamped knockout tournament.

Swiatek has struggled for her best form since winning her fourth French Open title earlier this year, failing to reach a final.

Her WTA Finals title defence ended in the group stage last week despite winning two of her three round-robin matches and she arrives in Malaga relatively fresh after missing several competitions in recent months.

“I’m happy that I can be part of the team again, because I always wanted that every year, but with the scheduling, it was pretty tricky and kind of impossible to make it work,” world number two Swiatek told a press conference. “I’m just happy to be here, and hopefully I can play some solid matches here and stay as long as possible together with the team.”

Poland, who also have Magdalena Frech and Magda Linette in their squad, have comfortably the highest average ranking for their top three players of any team in the tournament.

The only other top-10 player scheduled to feature is Italy’s world number four Jasmine Paolini. Poland face a tricky opening tie, though, against Spain, with Swiatek set to face former world number two Paula Badosa.

UK unemployment jumps more than forecast

Business

November 13, 2024

Pedestrians pass the Bank of England in London. PHOTO: AFP

LONDON (AFP) – United Kingdom (UK) unemployment has jumped more than expected, official data showed yesterday, as firms warn of slowing jobs growth after the new Labour government hiked business taxes in its recent budget.

The unemployment rate climbed to 4.3 per cent in the third quarter from 4.0 per cent in the three months to the end of August, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement.

Analysts’ consensus had been for an increase to 4.1 per cent.

The ONS added that average regular wages growth had fallen to 4.8 per cent, the lowest level in more than two years as inflation overall returns to normal levels.

The data comes after the government hiked national insurance, a tax on companies, in its main budget delivered at the end of October.

A third-quarter unemployment rate that “exceeded expectations by some margin… serves as a warning sign to the government following on from the budget where businesses saw a large increase in the level of national insurance contributions”, investment manager at Wealth Club Isaac Stell said yesterday.

“If these additional costs restrict hiring and cause jobs to be lost, its so-called growth agenda will be further scrutinised.”

Alongside hiking taxes, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s new government announced plans for higher borrowing that it said would be invested in infrastructure projects to help drive UK economic growth.

Villa’s Rogers receives first England call-up

Sports

November 13, 2024

Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch battle for the ball. PHOTO: AP

LONDON (AFP) – Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is among a group of five players added to England’s squad for this month’s Nations League fixtures against Greece and Ireland after eight players withdrew.

Interim boss Lee Carsley is overseeing his final two fixtures, in Athens tomorrow and at Wembley three days later, before handing the reins over to Thomas Tuchel.

Carsley will be without string of senior players – seven from the top four clubs in the Premier League – after Trent Alexander-Arnold, Levi Colwill, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden withdrew from the squad. Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has also pulled out.

Attacking midfielder Rogers, 22, has received his first senior call-up after impressing for Unai Emery’s Villa side this season, scoring three times and providing three assists.

Jarrod Bowen and Jarrad Branthwaite, along with the uncapped Tino Livramento and James Trafford, have also been added to the squad.

Arsenal’s Rice and Saka were forced off during the second half of Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea.

Alexander-Arnold suffered a hamstring injury in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa but is set to return later this month.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola had expressed his bemusement at Grealish being called up despite not featuring for his club since October 20.

Carsley will return to his role as England Under-21s manager after the Nations League games, with Tuchel starting his job in January.

Defeat in Athens would end England’s chances of automatic promotion from the second tier of the Nations League.

Millions of German metal workers win hefty pay hikes

Business

November 13, 2024

The pay hikes agreement hammered out by the IG Metall union averts fresh strikes at a time when Germany is struggling and is headed for early elections next year. PHOTO: AFP

FRANKFURT (AFP) – Nearly four million German workers in the key electrical and metalworking sectors will receive pay increases after the country’s biggest trade union struck a deal yesterday with employers.

The agreement hammered out by the IG Metall union averts fresh strikes at a time when Europe’s top economy is struggling and is headed for early elections next year after the collapse of the coalition government. The workers will get a rise totalling 5.5 per cent over two years, according to the deal struck after 18 hours of talks, the union said in a statement. “We have succeeded in achieving a solid result for employees despite difficult conditions,” said IG Metall boss Christiane Benner.

This will come in two stages, with a two-per cent increase from April next year followed by another increase from April 2026, as well as a one-off bonus of EUR600 (USD638).

As is customary with such agreements in Germany, a “pilot” deal was struck in two regions, Kueste and Bavaria, which will serve as a template for the rest of the country.

Chancay port: Major trade hub

Business

November 13, 2024

Traditional fishing boats anchored in the town's harbour with Chancay ‘megaport’ cranes. PHOTO: AFP

AFP – Huge cranes loom over Peru’s massive new Chinese-funded Chancay port, a symbol of Beijing’s growing influence in South America which is set to be inaugurated by President Xi Jinping tomorrow.

“It’s nearly ready,” deputy general manager Gonzalo Rios of the Peruvian subsidiary of Chinese port operator Cosco Shipping, which has a 60 per cent stake in the facility, said during a recent visit to the deep-water port.

Situated around 80 kilometres north of the capital Lima, the USD3.5 billion complex is expected to become a major hub for trade between South America and China. Chancay’s maximum depth is 17.8 metres (m), 2m deeper than Lima’s Callao port, making it capable of handling the world’s biggest container ships.

“With the addition of this port, this part of the Pacific and Peru in particular could become the logistical hub of South America,” Rios told AFP.

The facility will be unveiled by Xi and his Peruvian counterpart Dina Boluarte on the sidelines of this week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima.

The port is the latest addition to the vast collection of railways, highways and other infrastructure projects built under China’s massive Belt and Road Initiative.

Launched in 2013, the programme initially focused on better connecting China with Europe, Africa and the rest of Asia but has since expanded to include South America.

Chancay, a fishing town of around 50,000 inhabitants, was chosen for its strategic location in the heart of South America.

Cosco Shipping Ports, which has a 30-year concession to operate the terminal, has forecast it will handle up to one million containers in its first year of operations.

Chancay is expected to be a major hub for imports of Asian electronics, textiles and other consumer goods and for the export of minerals, including lithium – a metal used in mobile phone and laptop batteries – from Chile and copper from Chile and Peru.

“Peru is a source of raw materials for China,” professor Oscar Vidarte told AFP.

Lineker to leave ‘Match of the Day’ after 26 years

Sports

November 13, 2024

LONDON (AFP) – Former England football captain Gary Lineker will step down as host of the BBC’s flagship Match of the Day highlights show at the end of the season, the broadcaster confirmed yesterday.

But the BBC said Lineker – the broadcaster’s highest-paid presenter earning GBP1.35 million a year – would remain at the corporation after both parties “agreed in principle to a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup”.

“After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD,” said Director of BBC Sport Alex Kay-Jelski.

“We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week.

“He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.”

Lineker, who will have held the post for 26 years when he leaves at the end of the Premier League season in May 2025, said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”

Former BBC director general Greg Dyke told BBC radio that Lineker was “the outstanding sports presenter of his time”, but added: “Life moves on, presenters don’t stay forever.”

The 63-year-old Lineker took over as host of the Saturday night programme in 1999.

In March last year, Lineker was briefly taken off air by bosses after comparing the language used to launch a British government asylum policy to the rhetoric of old Germany on social media.

In solidarity with Lineker, a number of fellow presenters and pundits including Alan Shearer and Ian Wright refused to appear on the programme, meaning an episode was reduced to 20 minutes and aired without its host, pundits and commentary.

Lineker was reinstated just over a week later.

Manassero looks to cap career revival in Dubai; McIlroy eyes season-ending title

Sports

November 13, 2024

AP – Matteo Manassero quit golf five years ago at the age of 26, tormented by a sport which gave him so many highs but was no longer making him feel happy.

On Sunday, he could punch a ticket to play across the Atlantic on the lucrative PGA Tour and be back in the big time, where so many think his game belongs.

The 31-year-old Italian will look to cap his career revival this week by becoming one of 10 players from the European tour to be eligible to claim dual membership and a PGA Tour card for the 2025 season.

The season-ending World Tour Championship starts tomorrow in Dubai and only an unlikely turn of events will deny Rory McIlroy from being crowned as the European tour’s best player for a sixth time, leaving him two off Colin Montgomerie’s record haul.

There will be more suspense elsewhere, though, notably in that race for those PGA Tour cards – a structural tweak created in 2022 in the wake of the so-called strategic alliance between the European tour and PGA Tour in the face of mounting pressure from the breakaway LIV Golf series.

The presence of Manassero in the 10-man list, as it stands, only elevates the interest levels.

Blessed with a smooth swing and a deft touch, Manassero was a golfing prodigy, winning the British Amateur in 2009, the silver medal at the British Open for low amateur the same year, and also becoming number one amateur in the world.

By 2013, he’d won four events on the European tour – including the BMW PGA Championship, the flagship event on the tour, to move into the world’s top 25.

Then came the career dip, which plunged him into self-doubt and ultimately retirement – albeit for only a few months while he assessed where to go with his life. He eventually decided to give golf another go, beginning his rebuild on the lowly Nordic Golf League and the Alps Tour, which is on the third tier of European golf.

His talent shone through and last year he sealed a return to the European tour, with a win at the Jonsson Workwear Open in March being universally celebrated in the golf fraternity.

That helped to put him in a strong position to claim the end-of-season bonus of a PGA Tour card, and he headed to Dubai in fifth place among non-exempt players, behind Thriston Lawrence, Rasmus Hojgaard, Paul Waring – the winner in Abu Dhabi last week – and Niklas Norgaard.

Jesper Svensson, Thorbjørn Olesen, Rikuya Hoshino, Sebastian Söderberg and Jordan Smith make up the list, though the tour says any non-exempt player in the 50-man field can, statistically, break into the top 10.

Robert MacIntyre is living proof of how life-changing that can be. He was one of the 10 to claim a PGA Tour card after last year’s World Tour Championship and he has blossomed, winning two big PGA events – the Canadian Open and the Scottish Open – and rising to a career-high 15th in the world in August. He is number 16.

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

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