11. Serena Williams - Everyone loves a sporting comeback and, after falling to 81st in the world rankings, Serena's win in the Australian Open was certainly that. Her hunger for the game returned after some flirtations with fashion and a Wimbledon challenge awaits.

12. Tiger Woods - Tiger’s rivals breathed a little easier after it looked as if the birth of his first child would keep him from playing in The 136th Open Championship. But Tiger’s baby (or should that be cub?) has arrived early ensuring he’ll be the man to beat at Carnoustie on July 19.

13. Kevin Pietersen - Although he is likely to be passed over in favour of Paul Collingwood as England’s next one day cricket captain, don’t expect that disappointment to dampen KP’s pyrotechnics against India and in the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in his native South Africa in September.

14. Phil Taylor - Is the darts world about to experience a power cut? The 13-time World Champion hasn’t had things all his own way since Raymond van Barneveld moved to the PDC. Their rivalry continues at the World Match Play tournament.

15. Rebecca Lyne - An heir to Dame Kelly Holmes’ middle distance crown? 800 metre runner Rebecca already has a personal best of 1.58.45 and is in the world’s top 10. She’s a good outside bet for a World Championship medal.

16. Amir Khan - Bolton’s Olympic hero’s progress towards professional boxing glory continues apace as he fights Willie Limond for the Commonwealth Lightweight title at London’s O2 Arena on July 14. Now unbeaten in 12 fights, Amir’s post-Olympic success is a welcome contrast to the unfulfilled potential of Audley Harrison.

17. Luke Donald - No British golfer has won a major title since 1999 when Paul Lawrie triumphed at Carnoustie. With a game based on Faldo-esque consistency, Donald looks the best bet to end this drought although the likes of Nick Dougherty, Justin Rose and Paul Casey will have something to say about that.

18. Joe Calzaghe - Providing his recurring hand injuries don’t intervene and the promoters agree a purse, Calzaghe’s super middleweight unification fight with Mikkel Kessler will take place in September. The fight will be the unbeaten Welshman’s 21st title defence and victory will assure him boxing immortality.

19. Cristiano Ronaldo - The fleet-footed Portuguese winger lit up the Premiership last season and was deservedly named PFA Player of the Year. His performances have earned him consistent search success and, as anticipation builds for the new football season, his Hotlist stock should continue to rise.

20. Tim Henman - With Andy Murray only 50/50 for Wimbledon thanks to a nagging wrist injury, the focus of flag-waving British housewives moves back to Henman. OK, so he's only won two ATP tour matches all year and his serve lacks the necessary bite to trouble the likes of Federer and Nadal, but Henman at Wimbledon is a different proposition than Henman anywhere else. Altogether now, c’mon Tim!

Back to Hotlist's summer sporting search stars numbers 1-10