Beijing Guoan paid for their lack of fitness when they conceded defeat 3-1 to Qingdao Zhongneng in a 9th round of the Chinese Soccer Super League (CSL) on Saturday.

Liu Jian scored twice and contributed an assist, while Qu Bo shot another goal to ensure the Qingdao side maintained its 10 year record of defeating Guoan on its home ground in China's top football league.

Zhang Shuai netted the only goal for Guoan.

The loss is the first the Beijing side has suffered this season. The team topped the league after its 3-0 win over Liaoning last week, but the loss forced it into second place on the standings.

Guoan worked hard to take control after the game kicked off, but their efforts failed to yield fruit. The openings in their defense gave their rivals many opportunities to counterattack.

Liu Jian headed a comfortable corner kick cross in the 20th minute to give the home side an unexpected lead. He made it 2-0 twenty minutes later with a penalty after he was knocked down by Beijing striker Walter Martinez in the box.

The Qingdao side extended their lead to 3-0 minutes into the second half after Qu Bo took the feed from Liu Jian and beat Guoan's keeper.

Lee Jang-Soo's team hit back in dying minutes of the game. Defender Zhang Shuai drove the ball into the back of Qingdao's net after receiving a swift pass in a free kick.?
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(CRI May 6, 2007)