TICH DEGUN, Southall

Tich is Mr Foosball in the UK. With his company Foosball Promotions, he has done more than anyone in the UK to promote the Tornado game. Tich ranks behind only Rob Atha in the UK Tornado Rankings, and regularly travels abroad to compete.

Tich has one of the most developed 5-bars in the UK and is renowned for his unstoppable pull shot. When partnering Bruce Jassal they not only display great teamwork but also show how much fun the game can be, even at the highest level.

Regular Haunts: The Grange, Ealing; The Scotsman, Southall

Ranking status: Tornado Pro Master

Rhys typifies the hard-to-beat bulldog spirit. He is one of the shrewdest defenders in the game, and can also play up front, where his main weapon is a lightning pull-shot, although he also has a push-kick and a snake shot.

In addition to being a keen player and regular at tournaments, Rhys is also involved with organisation and promotion as BFA Chairman.

Regular Haunts: The Grange, Ealing; The Putney Brick

Ranking status: Garlando Semi-Pro, Tornado Pro-Master

RHYS ROBERTS, London

PASQUALE VENANZIO, London

Pas is passionate about the game, both in his native Italy and in his adopted home in London.

One of the toughest competitors on the tour circuit, Pas marries the fast reflexes of the Italian-style game to a cool methodical Tornado passing game to good effect.

Dogged defending, a strong pull shot and a devastating and unreadable snake, means Pasquale is never beaten until that last ball goes in.

Regular Haunts: The Grange, Ealing

Ranking status: Tornado Pro-Master

Sanjay took the competitive UK Tornado world by storm when he steam-rollered four Pros at Eastleigh in October 2001, and has since charged to the top of the rankings.

Sanj combines an effective and fluid midfield style with a fast and dangerous 3-bar snake shot.

When not competing Sanjay “West-Side” Kumar likes to have a laugh, and is one of the livelier characters on the scene.

In a sport badly in need of great young players, Sanjay is one to watch. How many players can claim to have beaten a US Pro-Master? In Sanjay's case it was Rich Fosner at the White Stuff Open Singles in May 2002.

Regular Haunts: The Scotsman, Hounslow; The Grange, Ealing

Ranking status: Tornado Pro-Master

SANJAY KUMAR, Southall

JUJ SOHI, Oxford

Juj is a relative newcomer to the game, having learnt his trade at St Peters College, Oxford. Juj is arguably the best Garlando player in the country, and is no novice on a Tornado either. It is only a matter of time before he moves into the Top All Rounders section above.

A natural attacker, Juj combines fast tap bangs from either side with a variety of well-disguised dinks, and can also snake, pin and drag. Juj's success is also down to the best Garlando 5-bar in the UK and the ability to strategically exploit oponents' weaknesses.

Regular Haunts: The Grange, Rhys' House

Ranking status: Garlando Pro, Tornado Pro

Former Oxford University captain, Paul has since moved to West London where he is a regular at the Grange.

Paul is best suited in defence, and has successfully adapted his Garlando game into a Tornado game.

Ranking status: Garlando Semi-Pro, Tornado Semi-Pro

PAUL MARSH, Ealing

DAVE ZIEMANN, London

Dave, aka DZ ("deezee"), was one of the many 1999 tour newcomers. An all round player, he was also one of the first Garlando players to reach Semi-Pro. A tough draw as an opponent, a good draw as a DYP partner.

On his day, Dave can beat any player in the UK with his combination of fast 5-bar passing, deadbar pull shot and accuracy from defence. He also enjoys using his lightning on-the-run pull kick to catch you unawares.

If you're lucky he may just beat you, if you're unlucky he may read you some of his poetry first!

Ranking status: Tornado Pro, Garlando Semi-Pro