Lim opens PH’s Davis Cup bid vs Indonesia

From left to right: Captain Karl Santamaria, Treat Huey, AJ Lim, Nino Alcantara and Ruben Gonzales. Marc Reyes/INQUIRER

First-timer Alberto Lim Jr. is given the daunting task of opening for Cebuana Lhuillier-Philippine Davis Cup team which begins its Asia/Oceania Group 2 tie against Indonesia on Friday at Philippine Columbian Association indoor shell/clay courts.

The 17-year-old Lim will take on Indonesian top gunner David Agung Susanto in first of the opening singles which start at 3 p.m. Ruben Gonzales, the country’s No. 1 player, will square off with Aditya Hari Sasongko in the second rubber.

Filipino World No. 26 Treat Huey and 2009 Australian Open juniors doubles champion Francis Casey Alcantara will face Anthony Susanto and Sunu-Wahyu Trijati in Saturday’s doubles at 2 p.m.

Gonzales will then battle Susanto, while Lim will clash with Sasongko in Sunday’s reverse rubbers which start at 1 p.m.

“Davis Cup is about match-ups and we saw how AJ (Lim) is suited for team events because of his swag,” said PH non-playing captain Karl Santamaria. “I think Indonesia were surprised by that move.”

Lim said he is ready to step up the plate although he admitted that he’s nervous to start for Philippines.

“I’m very nervous but when you think about it I have nothing to lose because he’s (Susanto) is older and even has a world ranking,” said Lim, who is considered the country’s next tennis star.