Lim in top shape, braces for big tourneys in 2015

MANILA, Philippines - Slowed down by injury, top junior netter AJ Lim is back in shape, all primed up for a couple of top-level ITF (International Tennis Federation) tournaments in January as part of his buildup for the Australian Open Juniors.

Lim, 15, has recovered from a groin strain that has sidelined him for almost three months but the 15-year-old ace has now fully recovered and motivated to compete against some of the world’s top- ranked players.

He fell short in his bid to win a major event recently, losing to many-time PCA champion Johnny Arcilla in four sets. But the setback only made him hungrier for a win, making him one of the players to watch in the upcoming India ITF Junior 1 in Chandigarh on Jan. 5-15. He will next see action in the Delhi ITF Juniors in New Delhi on Jan. 12-17.

He is also lined up to compete in the Sri Lanka F1 Futures, a $10,000 men’s tournament slated in Colombo on Feb. 2-8.

“I’ve been hitting solid and I hope to contend in India and Colombo,” said Lim.

He advanced to the finals of the La Consolacion tournament, sponsored by Dave Mercado of Stronghold Insurance Inc., by beating men’s No. 1 PJ Tierro, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4).

His other victims were Marc Reyes in the quarters (6-3, 6-3) and Elbert Anasta, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4.

Lim has only competed in five ITF junior tournaments this year, winning one in Beijing, China.

He plans to compete in men’s events next year to toughen up and gain more experience.