Although China was supposed to be the away team in this re-scheduled match, it had strong home support at the Shenyang Sports Center, as the venue was switched from Male to Shenyang after the local pitch conditions in the Maldives failed to meet standards.
China broke the deadlock after just eight minutes. Yu Dabao's lob shot in front of the area hit the inner part of the bar and bounced into the net; 1-0 to China.
China hit the woodwork four times in its last match, against Hong Kong, but luck was on its side this time, as Yu clearly lost balance before his strike, but it still went in.
The win-less Maldives nearly stunned the Chinese fans 10 minutes after the half-time break, when it launched a fast counter-attack from the right flank, but shot wide in front of helpless goalkeeper Wang Dalei.
Yu calmed China's nerves two minutes later. The striker nodded in his second goal of the night, leaping up to meet a corner kick.
Right fullback Zhang Linpeng showed his value in the 66th minute, sealing the 3-0 victory with a powerful header on a corner.
In the other matches on Tuesday, Qatar outscored Hong Kong 3-2 and now leads Group C, with three successive wins. China is two points behind in second place. The away match in Qatar next month will be a real test for China as only the eight group winners and four best second-placed teams will advance to Round Three in Asian zone qualifiers.
In Group B, Australia thrashed Tajikistan 3-0 and leads the group with 9 points. Iran defeated India 3-0 in Bangalore and leads Group D on goal difference. Japan dumped Afghanistan 6-0 but still ranks second in Group E, two points behind Syria.
Thailand drew with Iraq 2-2 in Bangkok and leads Group F with 7 points.Taobao Intermediate South Korea beat Lebanon 3-0 and tops Group G on 9 points.
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