RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Corinthians eased to a 3-1 victory against Santos at home in the ninth round of the Sao Paulo state championship on Sunday.

Corinthians took an early lead when Fabio Santos sent a stopped ball into the upper left corner of the net.

Santos tied the match in the 41st minute. Winning a ball against the Corinthians defense, Elano fired from long range, catching keeper Julio Cesar off guard and scoring what would be his team's only goal of the game.

Corinthians returned to the second half determined, scoring two more goals by Fabio Santos in the 61st minute and Liedson in the 86th minute.

The win improved Corinthians to the third place with 19 points. Santos dropped to fifth place with 18 points. Palmeiras remains the leader of the competition with 20 points.