Evergrande clinch first-half champion after 0-0 draw with Guoan

Evergrande's Ricardo Goulart, right, plays during the game in Guangzhou, June 25, 2015. [Photo/IC]

GUANGZHOU -- Chinese Super League defending champions Guangzhou Evergrande claimed the first-half champion as they drew 0-0 at home against Beijing Guoan, the runners-up of last season.

Evergrande, which newly appointed Luiz Felipe Scolari as coach, almost took the lead just 3 minutes into the game, but the team's top scorer Ricardo Goulart saw his attempt denied by Guoan's goalkeeper Yang Zhi.

Guoan captain Xu Yunlong's bullet header off Pablo Batalla's corner also forced Guangzhou keeper Zeng Cheng to make a fine save in the 12th minute.

The competition culminated in the 27th minute as Yu Dabao and Goulart's shot hit the post twice in just one minute.

In the 81st minute, Guangzhou defender Mei Fang blocked a Dejan Damjanovic shot in front of the goal-line which had past Zeng Cheng.

Evergrande and Guoan both collect 30 points after 15 rounds, with Evergrande claiming the first-half champion due to a better performance in the league for reserve teams, and Shanghai SIPG at third with 29 points.