Sun Zhunhao (R) of Shandong Taishan takes a shot during the 2022 Chinese Super League match against Zhejiang in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, June 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)
Despite going a man down, defending champions Shandong Taishan beat newcomers Zhejiang FC in the opening game of the 2022 Chinese Super League.
HAIKOU, China, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Reigning champions Shandong Taishan survived a red card to defeat newly-promoted Zhejiang FC 1-0 as the 2022 Chinese Super League (CSL) season kicked off on Friday.
In front of over 10,000 fans, Zhejiang stunned CSL powerhouses Shandong and controlled the first half, but their forwards missed several goalscoring opportunities.
Shandong broke the deadlock in the 74th minute, when Brazilian defender Jadson headed home a corner from South Korean midfielder Son Jun-ho.
In the 85th minute, Shandong captain Zheng Zheng was sent off after his reckless tackle brought down Zhejiang striker Matheus. Zhejiang geared up in the last minutes and tried to find an equalizer, but Nyasha Mushekwi's shot went over the crossbar.
An aerial photo shows the opening ceremony of the 2022 Chinese Super League season in Haikou, June 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)
Fellow newly-promoted side Wuhan Three Towns crushed Hebei FC 4-0 to get their first CSL win in club history. The Brazilian duo Wallace and Davidson scored for Wuhan before the break, while Xu Haoyang and Sang Yifei added another two in the second half.
Last year's China League One champions Wuhan have signed several Chinese internationals including Gao Zhunyi, Liu Dianzuo and Deng Hanwen, and have been regarded as possible dark horses this season.
In the other match on Friday, Zhu Chenjie converted a penalty for Shanghai Shenhua to beat Guangzhou FC 1-0.
Rounds one to ten of the 2022 CSL will run from June 3 to July 12 in the cities of Haikou, Dalian and Meizhou. ■
