Rostov beats Zenit 3-0 to keep Russian league lead (The Associated Press)

Surprise Russian league leader FC Rostov took a big step closer to the title on Sunday with a convincing 3-0 win over Zenit St. Petersburg. Less than a year ago, the game would have been considered a sporting and financial mismatch - Zenit forward Hulk earns more than most of the Rostov squad put together - but it was the team from southern Russia that ruthlessly exploited Zenit's poor marking to put the reigning champion to the sword. Guelor Kaku Kanga put Rostov ahead shortly before halftime, applying a simple finish after Dmitry Poloz beat the defense and drew in keeper Yuri Lodygin.