Shanghai SIPG held the undefeated league leaders in the first half, but were undone in the second period by an Elkeson strike in the 57th minute. The Brazilian extended his lead at the top of the goalscoring charts in the process after netting his 16th of the season.

Shandong Luneng suffered back-to-back defeats to dent their hopes of catching Evergrande after losing 3-0 at Beijing Guoan, who move to fourth place in the standings.

Zhang Xizhe opened the scoring the first half before Joffre Guerron Mendez doubled his side's advantage in the 57th minute.

And the win was confirmed in the 73rd minute as Mali international Frederic Kanoute grabbed his sixth goal of the season.

At the opposite end of the table, Tianjin Teda fell to a 2-1 defeat away to Guangzhou RandF to remain bottom.

A double from Rafael Coelho put the home side into a commanding position, before Eder Lima grabbed a consolation strike for Tianjin three minutes from the end.

Changchun Yatai moved out of the relegation zone with a 1-0 win over Shanghai Shenhua. Brazilian Isac scored the only goal of the game in the 40th minute to secure three vital points.

Elsewhere, Wuhan Zall continue to struggle and occupy the second relegation spot after losing 1-0 away to Shanghai Shenxin. After a goalless first-half the deadlock was broken by defender Wang Yun shortly after the restart.

Guizhou Renhe were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Hangzhou, Liaoning Whowin earned a 2-0 success against Dalian Aerbin and Jiangsu Sainty collected three points with a 3-0 win over Qingdao Jonoon.