Guba, Cuarto upset top bets

Yannick Guba and Christian Cuarto pulled off stunning victories over the top two seeds yesterday in the 18-under class of the Head-Penn Age-Group Tennis Championships at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Yannick, ranked fifth, defeated elder brother and top seed Johan, 6-2, 6-3, to advance into today’s finals against the unheralded Cuarto, who provided the day’s other upset loss by beating second-ranked Ian de Guzman, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.

Niño Salvador, the top seed in the premier boys’ 21-under division, kept his title hopes alive when he turned back second seed Ronald Paz, 6-4, 6-2.

Mauric Lao, the favorite in the boys’ 14-under class, downed No. 4 Kyle Dandan, 6-4, 6-2, while No. 2 Miguel Narvaez repulsed third-ranked Arithmetico Lim, 7-5, 6-2 to arrange their own title showdown.

Cebuano Janjie Soquino also made his presence felt in the semifinal round by making short work of Oswaldo Dumoran, 6-0, 6-4 to set up a title clash with No. 8 Nestor Celestino, a surprise 6-3, 6-2 winner over No. 3 Julianito Jopia.

In the girls’ 12-under category, third seed Jessica Agna easily disposed of Melissa Orteza, 6-0, 6-1 to book a seat in the finals against No. 2 seed Jin Querubin, a 6-2, 2-1 (ret) winner over Julie Em Botor. — Joey Villar