By MARK REY MONTEJO
Alberto Lim Jr. produced another masterful performance and outlasted Jed Olivarez, 6-2, 6-1, 6-4, to capture his third consecutive crown in the men’s singles event of the PCA Tennis Championships in Paco, Manila on Sunday, Oct. 5.
In the battle of the No. 1 and 2 seeds, the 26-year-old Lim came out more determined, and perhaps the better one, after going off to a splendid start before preventing Olivarez’s comeback bid.
For re-stamping his class over his fierce rival, Lim, backed by Cebuana Lhuillier Sports’ Jean Henri Lhuillier, pocketed the P200,000 grand prize.
In all, it was the fourth PCA crown for Lim, who won his first in 2015 at the age 16 – the youngest ever to win in the annual meet – the most prestigious tennis tournament in the country.
Olivarez, for his part, settled for a runner-up purse of P100,000.
Lim advanced to the finals after beating Nilo Ledama, 6-1, ret., in the semis and Iggy Pantino, 6-1, 6-1, in the quarters.
In the men’s doubles event, veteran Johnny Arcilla and Bryan Saarenas reigned supreme after notching a 6-3, 5-7 (11-9) title-clinching triumph over Fritz Chris Verdad and Rolly Saga.
Meanwhile, Tennielle Madis turned the jets on early and outpaced Kaye Anne Emana, 6-0, 6-3, to rule the distaff side.
Madis captured the women’s singles diadem as well the teams where she teamed up with Stefi Aludo.
