Modest JEF United Ichihara crushed Vegalta Sendai 5-1 at home on Saturday to move three points clear at the top of the J. League after 10-man Kashima Antlers were beaten 2-0 at lowly Shimizu S-Pulse.
South Korea striker Choi Yong Soo marked his return from injury with a five-star display as he grabbed a brace and created two more to move Ichihara onto 26 points with three games of the first stage remaining.
Ichihara, which is seeking its first-ever league title, is three points ahead of Yokohama F. Marinos, who won 2-1 at home to bottom-club Kyoto Purple Sanga courtesy of an 86th-minute winner from another South Korean star Yoo Sang Chul.
Perennial underachiever Nagoya Grampus Eight cruised to a 3-0 win away at Vissel Kobe to go third ahead of Kashima on goal difference with 22 points.