Lim snares Plantation Open crown in Florida

MANILA, Philippines - Albert “AJ” Lim Jr. dominated NCAA Division I veteran Alexander Pelaez, 6-1, 6-2, to nail the Plantation Open Circuit III crown Tuesday, his second title in four days in Florida.

Coming off a big win in the Andy Lake Pearl tournament at Haws Landing Saturday, the 15-year-old Lim flashed top form and outclassed Pelaez, dropping just three games to rule the tournament sanctioned by the US Tennis Association.

“It was a lot tougher this time but I’m glad I still pulled it off,” said Lim, who finished runner-up to Davis Cup veteran PJ Tierro in the recent Philippine National Games.

Lim actually played three matches in the second day due to late matches in the opening day, but the Filipino ace proved up to the task, sweeping all his three opponents.

He ran the fourth seeded and 6-foot-2 Gaston Murray to the ground with a 6-2, 6-0 romp to advance to the semis then fought back from a set down to stun top seed Juan Rocha, 2-6, 6-3, 10-4, to advance to the championship.

Rocha is also the current No. 2 player in Florida men’s rankings.

Impressed with his form and game, the L’Academie de Tennis’ coaching staff has lined up four major tournaments for the Filipino ace, including the Junior US Open.

Lim is also set to see action in the Canadian World Junior and International Hardcourts Junior Championships before coming home to compete in the PCA Open.