Lim clinches 3rd US crown in Florida jr tilt

MANILA, Philippines - Albert “AJ” Lim Jr. nailed his third crown in as many weeks in the US, repulsing Ezequiel Cerrini, 5-7, 6-3, 10-8, to rule the Rick Macci Summer Super Junior tournament in Florida over the weekend.

The seventh-ranked Lim used powerful groundstrokes to recover from a first-set loss and frustrate his rival from Sunny Isles Beach and add the title to his victories at the Plantation Open Circuit III and the Andy Lake Pearl tournament at Haws Landing.

Lim’s coach from the L’Academie de Tennis said the country’s top junior player has adjusted on clay courts, adding the 15-year-old Filipino ace now has good foot speed and greater upper body strength.

Lim actually faced stiff resistance in the decider but toughened up and came up with big shots to foil his older rival.

Lim swept his first four matches, including over 17-year-old Galen Arney of Delray Beach in the semis, 6-2, 6-3. He also beat Jean Zidor (6-2, 6-1), Pierre Brimaire (6-3, 6-0), and Guido Argentini (6-2, 6-2).

The tournament, according to his coach, is the highest level junior event in Florida.

Lim’s next assignment is the Plantation Open Circuit IV and two futures tournament for men’s.

He is also lined up to see action in the Canadian World Junior and International Hardcourts Junior Championships before competing in the PCA Open in October.