Top seed AJ Lim continues to dominate the local competition as he secured his ninth title since returning from a two-year hiatus last year.
This time, he achieved a 6-1, 7-5 win over second-seeded Eric Olivarez to rule the 2024 Lucena Open, held over the weekend in Lucena City.
In defeating Olivarez for the second time in two weeks, Lim, 24, showcased a variety of powerful strokes in the second set to prevail in the Group A tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association.
As in his title win in Butuan City previously, Lim, supported by sportsman Jean Henri Lhuillier and Cebuana Lhuillier Sports, did not drop a single set. This performance further cemented his status as the country’s No. 1 player.
He was also ruthless.
Among his five opponents, only Olivarez managed to challenge the Roland Kraut-mentored Lim, as they traded fierce winners.
However, Lim’s brute strength made the difference, earning him P100,000.
The reigning PCA Open titlist, once ranked No. 12 in the ITF junior rankings, advanced to the finals with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Fritz Verdad, while Olivarez outlasted Elbert Anasta, 6-3, 6-4.
Lim, who marked his comeback last year by winning the Mayor Eric Olivarez Cup, began his campaign with a 6-0, 6-0 drubbing of qualifier Sherwin Villacorte before beating Miguel Iglupas (6-1, 6-1) in the second round and Eric Jay Tangub (6-0, 6-2) in the quarters.
The youngest winner of the PCA Open at 16, Lim hopes to win more tournaments domestically and internationally to improve his ATP world rankings.
