For years it has seemed that Microsoft founder Bill Gates would never settle for being in second place, such was the relentless dedication his company demonstrated in clawing its way up to dominate the technology world.

Nevertheless, in the last month Gates has had to get used to being number two. As periodically happens, stock market fluctuations resulted in Gates losing his crown as the world’s richest man. In June 2007, he was overtaken by Mexican telecoms tycoon, Carlos Slim Helu.

But any thoughts that Gates may have lost his mojo were soon quashed. A poll by Chinese women’s magazine, Self, once again had Gates in second place. This time it was not individual financial wealth that was being ranked, but instead candidates were placed by virtue of their desirability as a sperm donor. Given that he was only just behind a popular Chinese film star and pin-up – and ahead of footballer David Beckham, this second place position does not reflect too badly on Gates.