Lim kicks off Asiad buildup, vies in China

AJ Lim kicks off a four-month building leading to a possible Asian Games stint as he competes in China for two Future tournaments, including one in Anning where he is expected to face several top guns and rising stars in Asia.

The University of the East sophomore’s China trip was personally financed by Philta chief Antonio Cablitas, who vowed to discover more homegrown talents.

“It’s my dream to see full-blooded Filipinos represent the country in major tournaments, but I’m not closing the door on Fil-foreign talents,” said Cablitas, who is President Duterte’s adviser on foreign investments.

After the China meets, Lim will lead the Philippine Davis Cup team slugging it out with Indonesia in the first round of the Asia Oceania Zone Group II tie in Jakarta early next month. Lim will next spearhead UE’s back-to-back bid in the UAAP.

In March, Lim, the youngest PCA Open winner at 16, will undergo intensive training in the US under many-time champion Cecil Mamiit and Orlando Silvosa in preparation for three ITF-sanctioned tournaments in Turkey in April.

Lim’s participation in Turkey will be bankrolled by Philippine Airlines through Jaime Bautista, Philippine Sports Commission through chairman Butch Ramirez and the Philippine Tennis Association.

He is also set to see action in the tough Orange Park tournament in Florida.

Lim, who will turn 19 in May, is eyeing to clinch a slot in the national team vying in the Asiad in Indonesia this August.