HUNDREDS of Filipinos from around the world have applauded Francis Casey ?Ni?o? Alcantara for his superb feat in winning the Australian Open Junior Boys? doubles title with Chinese Taipei partner Cheng Peng Hsieh.

The seventh seeds defeated the fancied duo of Russia?s Mikhal Biryukov and Japan?s Yasutaka Uchiyama in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2.

Alcantara, who was cheered on from the sidelines by his mother and staunch supporters Oscar Hilado and Romy Chan, was scheduled yesterday aboard a Philippine Airlines flight from Melbourne. Alcantara, who turns 17 later this month, was also supported by Jean Henri Lhuillier.

His coach Jun Toledo was an outstanding Davis Cup doubles player and has always shown great confidence in the future of the simple lad from Cagayan de Oro City. Alcantara is the first Filipino to win a grand slam tennis title.

According to Randy Villanueva of the Philippine Tennis Association, Alcantara is expected to compete in the Asian circuit in March. This was confirmed by tennis official Ajay Pathak, who for years has handled the Asian juniors.

He told Standard Today, www.insidesports.ph and Viva Sports that he will include Alcantara in the ITF team that will go to Europe and compete in Wimbledon, the French Open and all the other major juniors? events.

A staunch believer in Alcantara, Pathak said the youngster is a fine all-round player. ?But he needs more upper body strength and a few more inches in height.?

Pathak said he hopes that with the big doubles title win, Alcantara doesn?t feel he?s only a doubles player. ?I believe he can even win a singles title.?

Among the e-mail messages sent to Alcantara was one from J. Austin in the US. ?A big hurrah for Ni?o. We?re proud of young and Peng. Keep it up.? Ronnie Nathanielsz