LONDON -- China's top player Ding Junhui failed to reach the semifinals of the Champion of Champions snooker tournament after losing to Australian Neil Robertson 6-4 in Milton Keynes, England on Monday.

Ding, the world number 10, edged veteran John Higgins 4-3 while Robertson swept Jimmy White 4-0 in the group of four.

In the match between the two winners, Ding came from 4-2 down to level at 4-4 but was edged out by the defending champion Robertson in the following two frames.

The invitation tournament with 16 players will play in four groups from Monday to Thursday with the winner of each group progresses to the semifinals.