Beijing Guoan

Two horse race…for now

by
Cameron Wilson
30/08/2010

[singlepic id=5 w=320 h=240 float=right]The last couple of weeks’ Chinese Super League action has seen a 5-6 way fight for the title reduced to a two horse race, with one hooved beast way out in front, having won their games in hand. And right now, Shandong are an unstoppable beast.

They knocked defending champions Beijing out of the race at home last Thursday night, with Li Jinyu scoring the only goal. And tonight, they made their game in hand count, crushing in-form Jiangsu Shuntian 3-0 at home. Nearest challengers Shanghai Shenhua could only muster a 1-1 draw against Dalian at Hongkou Stadium on Sunday night, whilst the same day, third-placed Beijing Guoan drew 0-0 away to Qingdao.

This leaves Shandong leading the pack, six points ahead of nearest challengers Shenhua, and 12 ahead of third-placed Beijing who are as good as out.

Cameron Wilson

A leading international commentator on Chinese football frequently quoted by the world's top media. Offers piercing and resolutely honest insights into the bustling crossroads where football, society, economics and politics meet in contemporary China. Based in Shanghai since 2005, observer of the Chinese game since 2000.