Manila, Philippines – Rising star AJ Lim led University of the East to another sweep of the elimination round of the UAAP lawn tennis tournament as the Warriors clobbered the Ateneo Eagles, 4-1, yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
Combining power and grace, Lim, the younger ever to win the prestigious PCA Open – at 15 years olds – started the day right for UE with 6-1, 6-1 win over Ino Canlas.
Other singles winners for UE were Joshua Kinaadman, who tripped AJ Rivero, 7-6, 6-3, and Dolfo Barquin, who beat Marcen Gonzales, 6-3, 6-4.
Ateneo’s lone win came in doubles as Luke Flores and Erj Gatdula overpowered Jeric delos Santos and Justine Guira, 6-3, 6-1.
Rogelio Estaño and RJ Saga capped UE’s overpowering show with a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 decision over Bong Gonzales and Julian Dayrit.
The win was UE’s eight straight.
In the distaff side, University of Santo Tomas also swept the elimination round by nipping Ateneo, 3-2.
The Tigresses completed a six-tie sweep despite the loss of ace Ingrid Gonzales, who was forced to retire in the second doubles due to a sprained knee.
The championship ties in both divisions are set on Saturday at the same Malate venue.