Shimizu S-Pulse dealt Gamba Osaka's title hopes a stunning blow on Saturday after romping to a classy 3-1 win in the J. League.
Takuro Yajima put Shimizu on the way in the 13th minute and former Gamba star Fernandinho added the second before South Korean striker Cho Jae Jin killed off the visitors midway through the second half at Nihondaira Stadium.
With just four games left, Gamba trail leaders Urawa Reds by six points and the Reds could put one hand on the championship trophy they lifted for the first time last year with victory over Nagoya Grampus Eight on Sunday.
Urawa tops the table with 67 points, Gamba have 61 and Kashima Antlers (60) and Shimizu (56) follow in third and fourth.