KASHIWA, Chiba Pref. -- Kashiwa Reysol bettered its hopes of surviving in the J. League Division One by beating Tokyo Verdy 4-1, but Verdy's second-stage title chance vanished with the defeat on Sunday.
With the result, Reysol takes a six-point lead over survival race rival Sanfrecce Hiroshima (23) and a one-point lead over Vissel Kobe (28). Each team will play two more matches in the stage.
The title race, meanwhile, turned into a two-way race between Jubilo Iwata and second-placed Gamba Osaka. But the first-stage champion Jubilo can win the second stage on Saturday with a win over Verdy at home.