RIYADH - Saudi Arabia moved in on a place in the fourth round of Asian World Cup qualifying after beating Lebanon 2-1 on Saturday.

A second-half double from Redha Tukar kept the Saudis in second place in the Group Four standings and one point away from joining Uzbekistan in the fourth and final round.

With the match shifted to the Saudi capital because of security concerns in Lebanon, the Saudis took full advantage and went ahead two minutes after the break.

Tukar struck again at the hour mark and Mohamad Ghaddar pulled one back for bottom side Lebanon in stoppage time.

The 2-1 win left Saudi Arabia with nine points, second in Group 4. Saudi Arabia travels to Singapore on 14 June where it will need only a draw to stay in the competition.

Four Asian teams will earn places at South Africa 2010, with the fifth-placed side entering a playoff with the Oceania winners for another berth.