Striker sets record as Luneng return to top

Chinese top scorer Li Jinyu is hoisted by a cheering teammate as the player shoots his milestone 100th goal in the game against Zhejiang Lucheng on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 in the Chinese Super League. [Osports.cn]Shandong Luneng striker Li Jinyu proved his unmatched offensive quality in China, scoring twice and reaching a record 100 Super League goals on Wednesday.

Li's super performance steered his side to a 3-1 win over Zhejiang Lucheng and again triggered disputes about him being cut from the national team for the upcoming Asian Cup tournament.

The win also ensured the Shandong side returned to the top of the table on 26 points, beating Changchun Yatai on goal differences.

It began as a slow match, defending champions Shandong showing patience in searching for a breakthrough in their rival¡¯s tight defense.

Zhejiang, who nailed powerhouse Dalian Shide 3-1 in an away game last round, pinned nearly all their hope of consecutive wins on quality counterattacks.

It was Zhejiang who took the lead in the 13th minute when Yang Zheng latched onto a left cross and put the ball past keeper Li Leilei to the back of the net.

The Shandong team went on their wing play for the rest of the first half, but in vain, as the rival¡¯s defence, with an overwhelming advantage in height, left little room.

The score was unchanged until the 67th minute when discarded international forward Li Jinyu shook off a Zhejiang defender to head the equalizer for Ljubisa Tumbakovic¡¯s side.

Han Peng made it 2-1 in the 82nd minute and four minutes later, Li Jinyu again proved his eligibility with a late winner made by a sliding drive in the box.

In other matches, a 3-1 rout to Wuhan Guanggu knocked Changchun Yatai from top spot on the ladder. Dalian failed to make a rebound after manager Lin Lefeng was sacked. A goalless draw with Liaoning left them in the 5th with 22 points.