Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou Evergrande have continued their unbeaten start to the 2013 season thanks to a hat-trick from Botafogo striker Elkeson.
Elkeson, 23, has now managed 10 goals in his first five league games this campaign, scoring two hat-tricks in the process as he sets alight the CSL scoring charts.
Saturday’s fixture against struggling Changchun Yatai turned out to be the rout that many had predicted, with the Cantonese side emerging 6-1 victors amid heavy rainfall.
The visitors’ sole game of the encounter came courtesy of 2012 Brasileirão Serie B top-scorer Zé Carlos.
Elkeson’s goalscoring form, though, is capturing the headlines in China and he has quickly become a fan favourite at the Tianhe Stadium for his exploits.
The Brazilian’s latest three-goal addition to his tally for the season takes him five goals clear in the race for top-scorer, with double the number of goals of Liaoning’s Edú.
The tally is a new record for the opening five games of the league season.
Changchun’s woes, though, look set to continue, with the side now third bottom of the league after their opening six fixtures.
