Flamengo, Corinthians gain edge in Brazil finals

A first-half goal from forward Everton handed Flamengo a 1-0 victory over Fluminense in the first leg of Brazil's Carioca championship final here on Sunday.

Everton capitalized on a Renato Chaves error to blast an angled shot into the top left corner just after the half-hour mark.

The result at the Maracana stadium means Flamengo need only a draw in next Sunday's return leg - at the same venue - to claim the Rio state title for a 34th time.

In Sao Paulo, Corinthians moved to within touching distance of their 28th Paulista championship title after a 3-0 away victory over Ponte Preta in the first leg of the final.

Rodriguinho netted either side of halftime while former Brazil midfielder Jadson was also on the scoresheet with a 59th-minute strike at the Moises Lucarelli stadium in Campinas. Endit