Lim rolls to 2nd India ITF victory

MANILA, Philippines - Alberto “AJ” Lim bucked a muscle pain in his right leg and toppled Taiwanese Meng Cing-yan, 4-6, 5-2, 6-4, to pocket the India International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior II crown in New Delhi over the weekend.

The victory was a big follow-up to his Grade 3 triumph in Chandigarh last week where he stunned Japanese top seed Yuya Ito, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, in the final.

He advanced to the India ITF Junior II final by repeating over the Japanese top seed, 6-7 (3), 6-2, 6-4.

“We’re here not just to gain exposure but to win this tournament,” said Lim’s coach Martin Misa. “AJ is playing beyond his age and we’re looking forward for more tournaments to further toughen him.”

With his successful India stint, Lim, 15, has vaulted to No. 67 in the world junior ranking.

Misa is hoping that Lim, backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, will barge into the top 80 at the end of the year.

Lim is skipping the juniors competition of the Australian Open to concentrate on playing in the F1 Futures slated in Colombo, Sri Lanka Feb. 2-8.

He is also reportedly being eyed to join this year’s Philippine Davis Cup team.