TOP 100 in the world at 15.
That will be the target of Filipino young tennis hotshot Alberto Lim Jr. for the coming year as his coach lined up a series of top-level tournaments for the player considered as the best in Asia in the 14-under age-group.
Davis Cup veteran player and coach Manny Tecson said they will hit the ground running in January as Lim will be fielded in Indian ITF Grade 2 and Grade 3 tournaments to build up his world ranking currently pegged at 183rd. He started 2013 at 485th spot.
Tecson said the objective is to boost his rankings and get into main draw of Grade 1 events all over Asia, including the longest running Mitsubishi Lancer international which the country hosts in February.
“Once he turns 15 (in May) we will have a fresh schedule to hopefully break top 100 in the world rankings,” said Tecson referring to ITF rules that allows 15-year-old players to play a maximum of 15 tournaments a year.
Tecson added that Lim will also play in Futures $10,000, entry level tourneys in the pro circuit to better build up his mental toughness.
Tecson said they are bent on entering the Australian Open and its lead-up tourney, Loyang, although Lim was still only in the alternate list in the qualifying draw.
This year, Lim won two consecutive 14-under tournaments in the Asian circuit and has beaten top 100 players from Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, India and Chinese Taipei who are older than him.
Lim closed out the year making the second round of the tough Orange Bowl 18-under Grade A in Florida, beating an American.
Just recently, Lim made the singles semifinals of the Philta Open, beating former Davis Cuppers Elbert Anasta and Rolando Ruel.