Kashima Antlers blanked FC Tokyo 2-0 to take pole position in the J. League first division on Saturday after the Yokohama F Marinos were handed their first defeat of the season after going down 3-1 at JEF United Ichihara.

News photoJubilo Iwata forward Gral battles for the ball with Vissel Kobe defender Shusuke Tsubouchi (left) as goalkeeper Makoto Kakegawa lies sprawled on the ground during their J. League division one match on Saturday. Jubilo won 1-0.

Brazilian midfielder Fernando put Kashima on the road to victory after six minutes and compatriot Euller finished the job in the dying stages as Kashima took over at the top from Yokohama, which was sunk by a hat-trick from South Korea striker Choi Yong Soo.