World No.1 Neil Robertson was looking to book his spot in the semi-finals of the Snooker Champion of Champions event in Coventry, England on Thursday. The Aussie would though, get all he could handle from England's Ali Carter.

Roberston edged Martin Gould 4-3 in the group stage, while Carter was also taken to a deciding frame by Mark Allen.

Carter had been bothered by repeated illness recently, but he took the upperhand early by grabbing the first frame thanks to his 112.

Robertson came back with a century clearance, his 47th of the season, to level the race to six.

The Englishman took the next two frames to open up a 3-1 lead on the world number one, but Robertson responded with superb breaks of 105 and 113 to pull level.

With the match tied 4-4, Carter made a mistake with this snooker, and accidentally potted the yellow to the corner pocket. Robertson seized the opportunity and took the frame 70-59.

Carter responded again to tie it at 5's and force a decider. But Robertson came back and won the final frame 58-39. 6-5, the final score as the Melbourne Machine makes it to the last four.

The much anticipated Group One showdowns will be staged on Friday night, with China's Ding Junhui taking on Barry Hawkins, while Ronnie O'Sullivan faces Mark Davis.

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