SHANGHAI : A virtual appearance by British actor Benedict Cumberbatch and flashy deals kicked off Alibaba Group Holding Ltd's final 24 hours of its Singles' Day shopping event on Thursday, hoping to draw shoppers as it preaches sustainability this year. The online blitz, like last year, has stretched from a one day event to two primary discount periods, taking place from Nov. 1 - Nov. 3 and again on the full day of Nov. 11. The company has this year toned down its hype of the usual sales boom amid stringent regulatory scrutiny, saying that its priorities are encouraging "eco-friendly...