Kyoto Sanga retained their place in the J-League first division for next season after holding on for a 1-1 draw against J2 Roasso Kumamoto in the final of the J1 entry playoffs Sunday. Kyoto, which finished 16th in the 18-team J1, merely had to avoid defeat while also enjoying the advantage of playing at their home venue, Sanga Stadium. Kumamoto, which finished fourth in J2, advanced to the showdown with Kyoto after coming through the four-team playoffs involving sides who placed third to sixth in the second tier. Their bid for their first promotion to the Japanese top tier took a huge hit, ho...
