Sometimes other factors besides performance in ranking events impact upon the rankings. Alex Higgins would have been ranked number 1 in 1982/1983, but had ranking points deducted as a result of disciplinary action, and similarly, Robertson assumed the number-one spot earlier than would have been possible if John Higgins had not received a six-month ban in 2010. John Higgins would also have finished the 2010/2011 season ranked number 1 if he were not banned, since the points he was guaranteed from participating in the tournaments he missed would have been enough for him to take the top spot, and similarly O'Sullivan's decision not to enter the Malta Cup during the 2005/2006 season cost him the top rank for the following season, since the entry points on offer would have been enough for him to retain the position.