Leandrinho opened the scoring for Ponte Preta in the 32nd minute but the home side were back on level terms four minutes later when Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot.

The former World Player of the Year then put Corinthians ahead 12 minutes into the second half, going past two defenders before firing home an angled shot.

Ponte Preta were reduced to 10 men when defender Edilson was sent off but the visitors gained an unexpected point when defender Gum headed home an equaliser with 14 minutes left.

The draw moved Corinthians up to 34 points, six behind leaders Palmeiras and one ahead of Sao Paulo, who scored a 2-1 away win over Noroeste in Bauru.

Washington opened the scoring for Sao Paulo shortly after the break and Jorge Wagner extended their lead in the 64th minute 64th before Marcelinho headed a consolation for Noroeste.

Santos moved up to fifth place after sinking Santo Andre 3-0 with goals by Madson, Triguinho and young-star Neymar while Portuguesa remained fourth after a 2-2 draw with Mirasol.

In other Paulista games, Guaratingueta trounced Ituano 5-0 and Botafogo beat Paulista 3-2.

In the Rio de Janeiro state tournament, Josiel netted a hat-trick in Flamengo's 4-2 victory over Madureira.

Juan also scored for the hosts, while Bruno and Alex Alves responded for the visitors.

Flamengo have 10 points and share first place in the Taca Rio Group B with Botafogo and Bangu, who won 1-0 against Cabofriense.

An 87th-minute strike by Jeferson helped Vasco da Gama to edge last-placed Mesquita 2-1 and maintain their perfect record in Group A, where they are share top spot with Fluminense.

In the Minas Gerais state tournament, Cruzeiro hammered Democrata 7-0 with Kleber scoring a hat-trick.

However, they finished the group stage behind Atletico Mineiro, who defeated Ituitaba 2-1.

Cruzeiro and Atletico are assured of places in the quarter-finals along with Ituitaba, Rio Branco, America, Democrata, Tupi and Uberaba.

In the Parana state tournament, Atletico Paranaense secured first place in the first stage after beating Engenheiro Beltrao 4-1.

Finally, in the Santa Catarina state tournament, Avai downed Matropolitano 2-1 to clinch the second stage title and assure themselves of a berth in the semi-finals.