体坛英语新闻：Ajax crushes Heerenveen as rivals lose ground

THE HAGUE, April 11 (Xinhua) -- In the Dutch league title races, Ajax distanced itself from their five main rivals after a 5-0 win at sc Heerenveen on Wednesday.

After three minutes Heerenveen goalkeeper Brian Vandenbussche was sent off for bringing down Siem de Jong and Ajax was awarded a penalty. Theo Janssen converted the penalty and with eleven against ten Heerenveen was far too weak for the visitors.

After some terrible defending by the home defense Ajax scored four more goals through an Ismail Aissati shot and a hat-trick by Siem de Jong. "This match lasted only three minutes," Ajax coach Frank de Boer reacted. "We have patiently waited for the opportunities."

The other clash between two teams of the top six, AZ and FC Twente, drew 2-2 in Alkmaar. American striker Jozy Altidore scored twice for AZ, while Luuk de Jong, who returned from injury, found the net on behalf of Twente. The visitors equalized through Emir Bajrami in the final minute.

PSV Eindhoven had won the Dutch Cup last Sunday by beating Heracles Almelo 3-0, but squandered its title hopes on Wednesday evening. The Eindhoven side lost 2-1 at RKC Waalwijk. Sander Duits and Mitchell Schet gave RKC a 2-0 lead in the second half and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink produced PSV's late consolation goal. Also on Wednesday Feyenoord drew 0-0 at Roda JC Kerkrade.

With five match rounds remaining Ajax now leads the Eredivisie with 61 points. AZ trails by three points, FC Twente by five, Feyenoord by six and PSV and Heerenveen both are seven points behind.

"So now we are the favorites," Ajax coach De Boer said. "It does not matter. We have to enjoy it."