Albert Lim shows potential despite defeat

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino junior player Albert Lim Jr. put up a gallant stand against top seed Russian Artem Dubrivnyy before eventually dropping a 7-6 (7-3), 6-1 decision in the finals of the Orange Bowl international tennis championships 12s Thursday in Coral Gables, Florida.

The 12-year-old Lim made it to the finals, pulling off upset wins after another only on his first tournament sanctioned by United States Tennis Association.

His runner-up finish also brought excitement to the Filipino tennis community especially after he trampled second seed Alexander del Corral of the US (6-2, 6-1) and 9th pick Noah Makarome also of the US (6-2, 6-1).

But he faced a more experienced Dubrivnyy who just wrapped his fifth title in 13 tournaments he played this year.

Lim is a regular campaigner in 14s and 16s in local tournaments, and recently won the Mariposa Foundation Cup ATF 14-under here at home. He is also an overseas trainee of Cerritos Tennis Center in Los Angeles.

Orange Bowl is one of only five Grade A tournaments in the junior circuit which is only a rank below the Grand Slams.