Lim reasserts status as Philippines top netter

MANILA, Philippines — Under the bright lights of the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, AJ Lim didn’t just win a title – he reaffirmed his place atop Philippine tennis.

Lim outlasted perennial rival Eric Jed Olivarez, 6-3, 7-5, to capture the Philta Men’s Masters Top 8 crown Sunday night and reassert his status as the country’s premier player.

The P160,000 winner’s purse was a fitting reward. But more significant was the statement victory – his nth triumph over Olivarez in Open finals – underscoring a mastery that has defined their rivalry and reminding everyone that when healthy, Lim remains the man to beat.

For the 26-year-old, the win symbolized a full-circle comeback. Once sidelined by health setbacks that stalled his momentum, Lim has painstakingly rebuilt his game and confidence. Under the pressure of primetime play, he showed the composure and steel that once made him the youngest PCA Open champion at 16 in 2015.