Lim nips veteran Arcilla to enter PCA Open finals

Alberto Lim. Photo by Marc Reyes

A new chapter in Philippine tennis unfolded after Alberto Lim Jr. outlasted eight-time champion Johnny Arcilla in a battle between youth and experience.

The 16-year-old Lim from Matatalaib, Tarlac, showed everyone that he’s more than just power, countering just about everything Arcilla threw his way to prevail, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, Friday and make the finals of the Philippine Columbian Association-Cebuana Lhuillier Open wild-card event.

Lim, along with top seed and defending champion Patrick John Tierro, who made the finals after Elbert Anasta failed to show up due to personal reasons, gained wild-card slots in the Manila ITF Futures 2, set Oct. 13.

Lim is hoping to become the youngest PCA Open champion since Manny Tolentino triumphed in 1981 at 15 years old.

“The important thing is I don’t have to play qualifying in the pro (ITF Futures),” said Lim.