TEEN star Albert Lim Jr. proved he belonged among the tennis elite as he dominated Juan Gabriel Pena, 6-2, 6-1, on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in his first match in the Philippine National Games men’s tennis competitions because he is underage for the tournament.
The 14-year-old Lim, seeded 13th in the tournament, dominated his much taller foe to advance to the round-of-32 of the competition that attracted 98 competitors.
Lim was initially barred from competing in the event despite being a regular in the International Tennis Federation junior circuit because he is below 18 and not in the Philippine Sports Commission payroll as per PNG rules.
But Lim, who won the Phinma juniors last year, was eventually allowed to play after an appeal from the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association.
Top-ranked Johnny Arcilla moves past Jaime Aguilar via walkover, while third-seed Patrick John Tierro downed Jarryd Manduriao, 6-1 6-0.
Fifth seed Marc Reyes disposed of Jose Nicholas Cano, 6-1 6-0, while No. 10 Albert Lazaro defeated Eric Olivarez Jr., 6-2 6-0.
The women’s competition will begin on Monday with Marian Jade Capadocia as the top-seed.
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