KASHIMA, Ibaraki Pref. — A hat trick from Marquinhos gave Kashima Antlers a no-nonsense 3-0 win over Omiya Ardija on Saturday and trimmed Nagoya Grampus' cushion at the top of the J. League to five points.

The Brazilian gave Antlers a two-goal halftime lead at Kashima Stadium before grabbing his third in the 58th minute, taking advantage of Nagoya's 1-1 draw at home to Yokohama F. Marinos earlier in the afternoon.

Kashima is chasing an unprecedented fourth straight title despite beginning the day seven points off the pace, and manager Oswaldo Oliveira is in no mood to give up the ghost with a third of the season still to play.