Lim shocks 12th seed, makes Bandung semis

THIRTEEN-year-old Alberto Lim Jr., pulled a big shocker over 12th seed Ajay Yadav of India, 6-4, 6-3, Friday to advance to the boys singles semifinals of the ITF Oneject Indonesia in Bandung.

Lim showed skill beyond his years in pulling the rug from under the 17-year-old Yadav, who stands 6 feet 2. He will take on either top seed Thai Chayanon Kaewsuto or Indonesian Irfadi Hendrawan who were still battling at presstime.

“The key to his match is his return of serves,” said coach Manny Tecson.

“Our strategy today was to engage the Indian player in long rallies and to pin him down from the baseline to take away his net game. Also AJ needs to step in closer from the baseline because his opponent hits his forehand with a heavy topspin that kicks very high.”

The Filipino, who won a 16-and-under crown in Jakarta last week, beat Jatinger Singh of India, 4-6, 6-0, 6-0, in the first round before pulling off a stunning upset of third seed Liang Weng-chun of Chinese Taipei, 6-1, 6-1.

The burly Lim made the quarterfinals of the Grade 4 event after outplaying favored Thai Nut Rungsithmongkol, 7-5, 6-3, Thursday. Marc Anthony Reyes