The three-time champions need only one point to secure their fourth domestic title with three games remaining.

The eastern side have a 12-point advantage over second-placed Shanghai Shenhua - the only other side who are in contention for this year's title. Shandong will also win the championship if Shanghai fail to beat Jiangsu Shuntian tomorrow.

Yao Jiangshan put the visitors ahead three minutes before the half-hour before China international Han cancelled the goal out in the 66th minute.

"I want to apologise to our fans, who expected us to win the match and the championship today," said Shandong manager Branko Ivankovic.

"I can't blame my players because they did work hard for a victory."

Elsewhere, reigning champions Beijing Guoan were defeated 2-1 by Chongqing Lifan at Chongqing Yanghe Stadium.

Du Wenhui struck in the 34th minute before Johnny Woodly headed home from Huang Xiyang's corner nine minutes into the second half. Zhang Jian then tapped home from close range three minutes later as Chongqing claimed the much-needed three points.

The south-western side have 28 points - one more than the two bottom sides, Shenzhen Kingway and Nanchang.

In other games, a Yu Le doubled sealed a 2-1 win for Henan Jianye over Changsha Ginde, Marko Zoric struck in the 90th minute as Tianjin Teda edged Shenzhen 1-0 and a Gilcimar goal gave Liaoning Zhongyo a 1-0 win over Nanchang.