Rio de Janeiro: Palmerias took a provisional lead in the Sao Paulo State Championship as they beat Ponte Preta 2-1 in the 14th round of the tournament. Playing at home, Palmerias took the lead very early in the game Saturday with Juninho tapping in a cross from Daniel Carvalho in the 2nd minute. The team doubled their lead in the 11th minute when Marcos Assuncao skillfully drove a free kick into the upper right corner of the Ponte Preta goal.

Just before the half came to an end, Ferron headed in a corner kick in the 37th minute to bring Ponte back in to the match.

With 32 points, Palmeiras moves to first place, surpassing Corinthians who have 30. However, Corinthians will have the chance to reclaim the lead if they win their match against Comericial Sunday.

In the next round of play, Palmeiras will play Corinthians March 25 in a battle for the leadership in the competition.(IANS)