There is still much to sort out before the identity of the 2012 J. League champion becomes known, but for perhaps the first time in a season that has consistently refused to produce a clear front-runner, a definitive shape is beginning to crystallize at the top of the table.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima took a big step toward a first-ever title on Saturday by opening up a five-point gap at the top with a 4-1 win over Sagan Tosu, while results elsewhere left Vegalta Sendai and Urawa Reds tied for second on 48 points. Jubilo Iwata's 2-1 defeat at FC Tokyo means six points now separate Vegalta and Reds from fourth place, and with only seven games remaining, time is running out.
Sanfrecce's lead has been well earned after coming through a series of important tests in recent weeks with their championship credentials enhanced. Hajime Moriyasu's side edged Vegalta 2-1 before seeing off Nagoya Grampus with a last-minute winner the following weekend, and Saturday's emphatic victory over Tosu was no mean feat given the newly promoted Kyushu side's current league position of fifth.