Sendai retain lead

J.League leaders Vegalta Sendai were held to a 2-2 draw against Sanfrecce Hiroshima in a top-of-the-table battle on Saturday, preserving their two-point lead in the standings. Brazilian striker Wilson scored twice for Vegalta, while Japan international Hisato Sato and Kazuyuki Morisaki were on target for Hiroshima. The result kept Vegalta top of the table on 32 points, ahead of Sanfrecce on 30 points, and directly below Jubilo Iwata, Kashiwa Reysol and Urawa Red Diamonds are all on 27 points. Jubilo defeated FC Tokyo 3-1, while Kashiwa were led by midfielder Masakatsu Sawa, who scored a hat-trick in their 6-2 victory over Gamba Osaka. Urawa, who had a chance of edging closer to the top, were held to a 1-1 draw by Cerezo Osaka, with Yoichiro Kakitani grabbing an equaliser in injury time. In other games, Yokohama F Marinos and Nagoya Grampus, and Albirex Niigata and Kashima Antlers, both ended in 1-1 draws. Omiya Ardija defeated Shimizu S-Pulse, Vissel Kobe downed Kawasaki Frontale and Sagan Tosu outclassed Consadole Sappore, all by 1-0 scorelines. FIFA