Lim dominates Indian ITF junior tennis

Top Filipino junior player Alberto Lim Jr., fully recovered from a groin injury that sidelined him for months, dominated the Indian ITF juniors tennis championship in Chandigarh, India, last Sunday.

The 15-year-old Lim stunned 18-year-old top seed Yuya Ito of Japan, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, to capture the premier title of the Grade 3 event.

Lim displayed the confidence and toughness he is known for in disposing the world No. 89 in straight sets.

“I’m champion again after all the setbacks I’ve been through,” said Lim on his Facebook page where he also thanked his coach Martin Misa “for being here with me and believing that I can still do this.”

Lim will see action in a tougher Grade 2 event next week, also in India, before venturing into the ATP Futures in Sri Lanka along with Jeson Patrombon and other Filipinos.

Seeded sixth in the Indian tournament, Lim is expected to rise again in the world junior rankings where he is now at 250. He achieved his highest ranking of 150 before his injury.

Lim earlier downed Indians Anshuman Gulia, 6-3, 6-1; Nitin Kumar Sinha, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4; and Rian Pandole, 4-6, 6-1, 6-0.

Ranged against second seed Alexis Canter of Britain in the semifinals, Lim showcased his big heart in stopping the 16-year-old world No. 132, 6-2, 6-2. Marc Anthony Reyes