Gamba Osaka kept the pressure on leaders Urawa Reds after brushing aside Oita Trinita 3-1 in the J. League first division on Sunday.

But in-form Niigata's title hopes were dealt a major blow after going down 3-1 to Jubilo Iwata in the day's other game at Yamaha Stadium.

Gamba reclaimed second spot on 20 points, five behind Urawa with five matches of the second stage remaining.

Yamamoto set for Jubilo

IWATA, Shizuoka Pref. (Kyodo) Former Japan Olympic team coach Masakuni Yamamoto is set to become manager of J. League first-division side Jubilo Iwata.

Yamamoto, who coached Japan at the Athens Olympics this summer, said Sunday he has turned down offers for his services from other teams and is close to signing a contract with the Shizuoka club.