Jonathon Power (#3): Power, the Canadian virtuoso with a racket, has been the hottest player on tour since mid January. Power, who game seems to fluctuate and evolve in unpredictable patterns, is currently on an impressive positive upswing. On the aging plastic USA show court in New York, he dismembered his opposition, totally outpointing Nicol there. He then followed that up with an even more impressive showing in Pakistan last week. He has all the momentum coming into the British. He only needs to fight against his own demons — he had an unexplainable early exit against Del Harris in last year's edition of this event.

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Peter Nicol (#2): Nicol, the earnest hardworking Scotsman, has displayed large chinks in his armor of invincibility in recent months. After successive wins over Power in Toronto in November (in an exciting five games) and in Boston (in a dominatingly quick three games) Nicol was crowned by the media. But he proceeded to fall short against Lee Beachill in the British Nationals and then to Power at both New York in January and Pakistan in March. On each of these three occasions, Nicol appeared to tire and seemed unwilling or unable to sustain his necessary approach of consistency.

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David Palmer (#2):David Palmer, who held the World #1 position for last winter and spring, continues to bring his brash and highly confident game on court. Palmer has enjoyed strong success against most of the top players in recent months, except Power and Nicol. Peter Nicol, in fact, immedately sent Palmer the message that his tenure at the top would be contested, after Nicol spanked Palmer in Egypt soon after Palmer had ascended to the top. Palmer potential matches up with Power in this year's semi final. The clashes between these two big men have been punctuated by physical contact, usually initiated by Palmer.

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Stewart Boswell (#5): Boswell, the rapidly emerging Australian star, has given strong signals in recent months that he is ready to fulfill his predicted potential of pushing toward the top of the charts. Boswell has given every top player fits in recent encounters; and reached the finals in the Nov 2001 YMG Classic in Toronto. Boswell however sits in the "Killer Eighth" of the draw, with both highly talented Joe Kneipp and experienced Scotsman Martin Heath potentially standing in his way of reaching the quarters. Boswell brings an exciting, brash attacking style of play onto the court but meshes that with a mature calm demeanor.

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Lee Beachill (#10): Beachill, the heralded squasher from the north of England, in February staked an impressive claim to the elite top five by shocking Peter Nicol in the British Nationals that Nicol had confidently announced he would be taking away from Beachill. Beachill continues to display uneven tournament performances, and consequently only enjoys a #10 world ranking, well below his talent levels. Beachill presents a potentially large obstacle to Power on his route to the semi-finals. If Beachill should get past Power, we predict that Beachill would take Palmer in the semis.

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John White (#6): Playing under the Scottish Flag, John White has skirted the edge of the top for the past three years. His best win was in Antwerp over a year ago, and he reached a career best #3 that he briefly held in January of this year. White makes excellent use of his height,volleying frequently to keep his opponents under pressure. His impressive quickness and agility make his opponents think before moving him up front — once they have done so, White counters with an excellent short game and an unreadable angle game.

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