BACOLOD CITY -- THERE?S STILL ONE round to play, but Cebu City can afford to celebrate. No matter the outcome of its final match against Taguig City late last night, Cebu City will still emerge champion of the National Intercities and Municipalities chess team championship at the New Government Center here.

Powered by International Master Richard Bitoon, Cebu City routed Quezon City, 3-1, in the seventh round and drew with Binalonan (Pangasinan), 2-2, in the eighth round to boost its total to 14 points and move beyond reach of closest pursuer Tagaytay City, which has 11 points.

Bitoon, the 33-year-old native of Medellin, Cebu, bested Rolando Andador to set the tone for Cebu City?s romp over Quezon City in the tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by Prospero ?Butch? Pichay.

Cebu, assured of the P100,000 top purse, also leaned on Richard Natividad, who bested Horizon Villanueva, and Jayson Salubre, who beat Ernie Abanco, to rip Quezon City.

Tagaytay City, the National InterProvince titlist, drew with Talisay, 2-2, in the seventh round and won over Muntinlupa City, 2.5-1.5, in the eighth round.

Grandmaster Darwin Laylo lifted Tagaytay past Muntinlupa when he edged Oliver Barbosa at the top board.

Taguig City trounced Bohol, 3-1, and then nipped Maritima CC, 2.5-1.5, to share third to seventh places with Quezon City, Bacolod City-A, Talisay City and Binalonan at 10 points.