Lim wins Philta Men's Open singles, doubles titles

MANILA, Philippines — Top seed Alberto “AJ” Lim Jr. delivered a clutch performance to defeat No. 2 Eric Jed Olivarez Jr., 7-6 (6), 6-1, on Sunday night and claim the Philta Men’s Open title at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Lim walked away with P350,000 and 1,000 ranking points, while Olivarez settled for P175,000 and 750 points.

“Beyond the win today, I want to thank God, my family, my team, and everyone who came to watch. Thank you for the support,” said Lim, who also bested Olivarez in the finals of the Philta Men’s Masters Top 8 last February and the 2025 PCA Open.

Olivarez mounted a strong challenge early but eventually yielded to the four-time PCA Open champion.

“I’m really grateful because I had a lot of tough matches leading up to the finals,” said Olivarez, who defeated 2025 Gentry Open champion Arthur Craig “Iggy” Pantino in the quarterfinals and Thailand SEA Games mixed doubles bronze medalist Francis Casey Alcantara in the semifinals.

“It’s been a long journey. I’m just grateful to be here. It’s not the best result—I would have wanted to win—but I’m still grateful,” added Olivarez, who competed in the M15 Singapore World Tennis Tour last week.

Lim and Olivarez also ruled the doubles event, earning P80,000 and 750 points after outlasting Pantino and Noel Damian, 6-3, 4-6, (11-9), in the tournament backed by Tecnifibre and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Lim, Olivarez, Alcantara, and Pantino were also part of the Philippine team that captured a bronze medal in last year’s SEA Games. TMT

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