Playing at the Prince Nayef Sports City Hall in Qatif, Valero Rivera López's side downed the United Arab Emirates 22-17 in a cagey affair.

The result leaves them top of Group C meaning that they progress to Group I in the main round.

Iraq move on to Group II after producing a comeback victory against Oman, winning 31-29 after finding themselves 16-14 down at half-time at the Ministry of Sports Hall in Dammam.

South Korea snatched pole position in Group A away from Kuwait after beating the 2020 hosts 27-26 in one of the games of the tournament.

Jordan recorded their first win at the competition as they comfortably beat Singapore 40-19.

Hosts Saudi Arabia lost their 100 per cent win record after faltering 24-20 against Iran, letting a four-goal lead slip, forcing them to settle for second in Group B.

Elsewhere, Australia pulled off a marginal 27-26 win over India.

Free-scoring Bahrain continued their remarkable record in the tournament as they smashed Hong Kong 46-20 in Group D.

They have scored 127 goals in the three games, the most by 16 ahead of Kuwait's 111.

The sensational attacking prowess has made Bahrain look good value for finally securing the championship after losing four of the previous finals.

Uzbekistan beat Vietnam 30-23 to conclude the preliminary round.

The competition takes a break tomorrow before resuming on January 22 with eight games.