By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Top seed Alberto “AJ” Lim Jr. and No. 2 Eric Jed Olivarez Jr. beat separate rivals on Saturday to arrange a title showdown in the Philta Men’s Open at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
Lim, the youngest PCA Open singles champion, was leading 6-2 after the first set when No. 8 Ronard Joven decided to quit.
Olivarez, who joined the M15 Singapore ITF World Tennis Tour last week, advanced following a 6-1, 6-4 victory over No. 15 Francis Casey Alcantara.
Aside from the trophy, the champion will receive PHP350,000 in cash and 1,000 ranking points in the Grand Slam-level event supported by Tecnifibre and the Philippine Sports Commission.
Lim defeated Olivarez, 6-3, 7-5, to win the Philta Men’s Masters Top 8 crown in February. He also won, 6-2, 6-1, 6-4, in their title duel at the 2025 PCA Open.
Meanwhile, second seeds Lim and Olivarez advanced to the doubles finals against Noel Damian and Gentry Open champion Arthur Craig “Iggy” Pantino.
Lim and Olivarez conquered Elvin Geluz and Raymund Goco, 7-6 (5), 6-2, while Damian and Pantino prevailed over Vicente Elberto Anasta and Rolly John Saga, 7-5, 6-4.
The doubles champion will get PHP80,000 and 1,000 points.
Lim, Olivarez, Alcantara, and Pantino are members of the bronze medal-winning team at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand. (PNA)
