PRODIGY Alberto “AJ” Lim Jr. disposed of top Indonesian bet David Susanto, 6-3, 6-4, last Sunday to help power to the Philippines to the second round of the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group II competitions.
The 18-year-old Lim never faltered against the more experienced Susanto as the Filipinos bundled the Indonesians out, 3-1, in the tie played last Sunday at the Gelora Bung Karno Tennis Stadium Complex in Jakarta.
Lim also beat Althaf Dhaifullah, 6-3, 6-2, in the opening singles and his victory over Susanto avenged Jeson Patrombon’s 6-2, 7-5 loss to the top Indon last Saturday.
Susanto’s win over Patrombon in the second singles allowed Indonesia to level the tie at 1-1 last Saturday, the same day Lim downed Muhammad Althaf Dhaifullah, 6-3, 6-2.
Casey Alcantara and Jurence Mendoza gave the Philippines a 2-1 lead after beating Susanto and Justin Barki, 7-6 (5), 6-3, in doubles, also last Sunday.
Seeded third in the eight-nation zone, the Philippines now awaits the winner between No.1 Thailand and Sri Lanka. The second round will be played on April 7 and 8 in a still undertermined venue.
Susanto 26 and ranked No. 1420 by the Association of Tennis Professionals, served five aces against Patrombon in their two-hour encounter. The Indon is now 2-0 against Patrombon.
The other reverse singles pit Patrombon against Dhaifullah.