Hao Haidong powered Dalian to a 2-1 victory over Beijing in the eighth round of the Chinese premier league on Sunday.

Hao Haidong, also coach of the Dalian team, had been absent for three matches due to injury and his team were forced to three consecutive draws.

Hao Haidong decided it was time for him to return to the field and his decision paid out as he opened the scoring at the 22nd minute to encourge Dalian to a much needed victory.

The victory promoted Dalian to the third place in the standings as Shandong were forced to a 1-1 draw by Shenyang on Saturday.

League leaders Shenzhen were also held 1-1 by Sichuan on Saturday while Shanghai Shenhua took the chance to narrow the gap to just one point as they beat bottom-placed Tianjin 2-0.

Also on Sunday, Qingdao lost to Liaoning 1-2 while Shanghai International were beaten 1-2 by Chongqing.