No10: Steven Hendry

Forget the arguments over snookers merits as a sport Hendry was winning machine in the 90s. He won the World Championship on seven occasions during the decade, including his fabulous five in a row between 1992 and 1996. It was an incredible feat from the ruthless Scot, who is still challenging at the top today.

No9: Roger Federer

If this list is revived in 10 years time, few would bet against Federer being top. At just 26, he is already being touted as the greatest tennis player of all time. After winning his first of five consecutive Wimbledon titles in 2003, the Swiss star has also picked up four US Open titles and three Australian Open crowns. Only the French Open is missing from his astonishing Grand Slam haul.

No8: Jack Nicklaus

The Golden Bears record haul of majors is still beyond the Tigers claws for now. Nicklaus won his 18 titles between 1962 and 1986, and became the first golfer to win all four majors on two separate occasions. Only one other man can claim to have left such a mark on the game.

No7: Steffi Graf

Thanks to the dominant periods of Federer and Sampras, its easy to forget Grafs reign over the tennis world. The German star was virtually unstoppable in the late 80s and early 90s, picking up an incredible 22 Grand Slam titles. The evergreen Martina Navratilova won more titles but Grafs intensive singles spree was unequalled.

No6: Phil Taylor

Say what you want about darts anyone who wins 13 World Championships is pretty special. The Power has been at the top of his game from 1990 right up to today and has spawned a new generation of darts fans with his feats. It is inconceivable that Taylors record will ever be bettered.

No5: Pete Sampras

The man who ruled when Federer was a starry-eyed teenager. Sampras record of 14 Grand Slam titles still stands but for how long? Between 1993 and 2000, Pistol Pete won Wimbledon all but one year. Add to that five US Open crowns and two Australian Open titles, and you start to understand his immense talent.

No4: Michael Schumacher

Lewis Hamilton and Co can be thankful that Schumacher is no longer around. The German machine won the World Championship eyery year between from 2000 and 2004. The Ferrari ace, who had won two titles previously with Benetton, was so dominant that F1 was rightly or wrongly labelled boring. But that can take nothing away from his awesome achievements.

No3: Muhammad Ali

Ali may be The Greatest but he wasnt quite unbeatable. The heavyweight legend suffered notable losses to Joe Frazier and Ken Norton but that can take nothing away from his vice-like grip on boxing in the 60s and 70s. Ali encountered a string of obstacles during his career, yet still stayed at the very top of his game.

No2: Tiger Woods

Woods domination of golf has already lasted so long that its easy to forget hes only 32. The American has yet to overtake Jack Nicklaus majors record but hes arguably playing in a far superior era. The huge-hitter has claimed both the Masters and PGA Open on four separate occasions, as well as three British Open and two US Open titles. And hes far from easing up.

No1: Lance Armstrong

How do you judge the best of the best? Not easily thats for sure, but one defining question is how physically and mentally tough is the sport? It doesnt get harder than the Tour de France. Armstrong won the event an amazing seven times in a row from 1999 to 2005. And that was after battling back from testicular cancer.