The tight race at the top of the J.League took another twist as Vegalta Sendai leapfrogged Sanfrecce Hiroshima, who could only draw, by beating Kawasaki Frontale 2-1.
Naohiro Ishikawa scored his tenth goal of the season to be joint top of the goal rankings, leading Tokyo to a 3-0 victory over Nagoya Grampus.
