Ronaldo's double lifts Corinthians

RIO DE JANEIRO: Ronaldo scored twice, including one from an exquisite chip, to help Corinthians beat Santos 3-1 away in front of a frustrated Pele in the first leg of the Paulista championship final on Sunday.

The 32-year-old opened his account in the 25th minute when he latched on to a long kick upfield by defender Chicao and scored from the edge of the Santos area at the Vila Belmira, which was Pele's home ground for most of his career.

The former Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan forward added his second in the 76th minute when he chipped Fabio Costa from the edge of the penalty area.