Striker Washington scores hat-trick for Urawa in J-League

Urawa Red Diamonds skipper Nobuhisa Yamada (3rd L) celebrates his goal with his teammate Shinji Ono (4th L) in the first half of the J-League match against Yokohama Marinos in Yokohama in March 2006. Brazilian striker Washington has scored a hat-trick to give Urawa Red Diamonds a 3-1 win over Albirex Niigata.

Brazilian striker Washington has scored a hat-trick to give Urawa Red Diamonds a 3-1 win over Albirex Niigata.

Niigata forward Edmilson gave his side a 1-0 lead early in the game but Washington netted the equalizer from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute.

He flicked in a Shinji Ono cross in the 35th minute for his second and completed his hat-trick in injury time. It was Washington's 14th goal of the season.

Urawa keeper Norihiro Yamagishi put in a heroic performance, saving many Niigata shots.

"I didn't do it alone, everybody worked well not to lose another goal. We lost a goal in an early minute and it was a difficult start for us. But Washington did an excellent job afterwards," said Yamagishi on Wednesday.

It was Urawa's 12th win and puts them on 40 points in the J-League, two points behind leaders Gamba Osaka and two ahead of Kawasaki Frontale.

Osaka beat struggling Sanfrecce Hiroshima 3-2, while Kawasaki powered past Nagoya Grampus Eight 4-2.

Meanwhile Jubilo Iwata defeated Japan coach Ivica Osim's former club JEF United Ichihara 3-1, while Yokohama Marinos crashed to a 2-1 defeat against Amiya Ardija. Kashima Antlers were beaten 2-1 by first-division newcomers Ventforet Kofu.

In other games, FC Tokyo overwhelmed Avispa Fukuoka 5-1, Kyoto Purple Sanga drew 4-4 with Cerezo Osaka thanks to Kazuki Teshima's goal in injury time and Shimizu S-Pulse drew 3-3 with Oita Trinita.