Lim, Capadocia seek Phinma title repeat

MANILA, Philippines - Alberto Lim and Marian Jade Capadocia hope to pick up from where they left off as they launch their drive for a repeat in Week 2 of the Phinma International Juniors Tennis Championships which unfolds today at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Lim beat Jurence Mendoza tormentor Yusuke Takahashi of Japan, 6-3, 6-3, while Capadocia cruised past Gabriella Umoquit of the US, 6-1, 6-0, to complete the hosts’ sweep of the first of two six-day, ranking tournament put up by Phinma and sanctioned by Philta.

The duo, however, are expected to have their hands full with a slew of foreign players out to foil their bid while hoping to fuel their respective title drives in the event.

Mendoza, however, withdrew upon the advice of his doctor due to strain in his quadriceps.

The tournament is backed by Technifibre (official ball), Viva (official mineral water) and Powerade (official energy drink) and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, which provides free use of the RMTC with Thai Wannawit Srirasa as tournament supervisor.

Meanwhile, Dheo Talatayod stunned No. 4 Wang Yu-chang of Taiwan, 7-6(4), 6-2, in the two-day qualifiers to gain a crack at one of the four berths in the 32-player main draw. Other local bets who stayed in the hunt were John Mavrick Victoria, who repulsed Aussie Edwyn Ramos, 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-4; Stefan Suarez, who bundled out compatriot Christian Lopez, 6-2, 6-3; and Andrew Cano, who thwarted Hung Chien Chief of Taiwan, 6-3, 6-3.

Top seed Connor Heap of New Zealand led the eight finalists by beating Al Opulencia, 6-0, 6-2, while No. 2 Brian Tran subdued Thai Vachiravit Paisarnkulwong, 6-0, 6-2, and third seed Hsieh Chao-ting of Taiwan frustrated Betto Orendain, 6-3, 6-3.

Dominique Ong held off American Adelya Karaalp, 7-6(1), 6-4, to emerge the lone Filipina hopeful in the qualifier. She faces Japan’s Konomi Shida, who shocked top seed Chen Han-chi, 6-1, 6-2, for a spot in the tournament proper.