Australias Geoff Davenport and Englands Ann Manley re-wrote WSF World Masters Squash Championships history in Amsterdam with landmark victories to become the most decorated World Masters players of all time in front of packed crowds at the Frans Otten Stadion

Those victories werent the only to tumble this week in Amsterdam, with this years championships setting a participation record after 1070 players took part.

Top seed Davenport set a new all-time record by claiming a seventh world championship title, winning the 65+ final 11-7, 11-5, 11-8 against South Africas Pierr Roodt.

I was so nervous this morning, the most nervous Ive ever been, said 66-year-old Davenport. I wanted to win for all the kids I coach back home in Sydney because theyve been so excited.

The record might not last long, but its nice to be the first to hold the record outright.

Davenport moves one title ahead of compatriot Brian Cook and South Africas Craig van der Wath.

Top seed Cook was defeated in the 75+ semi-finals by Englands Barry Featherstone on Wednesday, but Featherstone could not capitalise, with the Englishman falling to compatriot Larry Grover, who secured a 12-10, 9-11, 11-5, 9-11, 11-9 victory.

Meanwhile, 75+ defending champion Manley set a new womens landmark with her sixth World Masters crown. She had beaten Australias Margaret Hunt-Kemp in each of the last three tournaments and once again came out on top in Amsterdam in straight games.

Myself and Margaret first met in 1996 when we had an England over-40s tour to South Africa, revealed Manley. We know each others games very well but that didnt seem to help today! Shes very tricky and it was hard work, but Im thrilled. Hopefully my body will hold up and I can defend the title in two years.

The Dutch crowd was denied an Anjema family double as father Robert Jan was defeated in four games by Finlands Kale Leskinen in the 70+ final. Son Laurens-Jan, the former World No.9, cushioned the blow by winning a lengthy 40+ final 7-11, 11-5, 11-9, 4-11, 11-7 against compatriot Piedro Schweertman.

It started out as a bit of a joke, me and my father playing this tournament together, but the night before the final you suddenly realise Wow, I could become world champion tomorrow!' said Laurens-Jan. In 2018 [when he won the 35+ trophy in Charlottesville] it was a nice surprise, but this time there was more pressure.

Mexicos unseeded Marcos Mendez has been the surprise package of the tournament and completed his dream run with yet another comprehensive victory, with his 11-1, 11-2, 11-2 win over Nicholas Staunton meaning he won the 50+ championship without dropping a single game across his seven matches.

Mendez coaches World No.21 Leonel Cardenas back home and has a background in American hardball squash. He revealed: When I converted to soft ball squash 20 years ago, I started from zero. I now know a lot more about this game and this was a dream for me to demonstrate to myself that I could do it.

Former PSA world top 20 players Nicolette Fernandes of Guyana and Samantha Teran of Mexico were reunited in the womens 40+ final on the glass court, with top seed Fernandes winning it 11-6, 11-4, 12-10.

Two more former pros, South Africas Lizelle Muller and Englands Lauren Kinsey-Briggs, took the womens 35+ and 45+ titles respectively. Kinsey-Briggs, who defeated Singapores Joannah Yue in three games, said: I love this game and I really realise how much I love it when I stop. The enjoyment I have for it is immense. Its so inspiring being here.

Former World No.32 Peter Hill of Singapore showcased his legendary box of tricks in a 12-10, 11-4, 8-11, 11-1 victory over Irelands four-time World Masters winner Willie Hosey. Hill said: When I signed up to play here, I said to myself, Im coming to win. Theres a lot at stake and Im so glad I pushed through.

Stylish Swede Christian Drakenberg couldnt contain his emotions after his straight-games 45+ victory over Englands James Bowden. The seven-time national champion is still representing Sweden in European and World Team Championships and now has two World Masters trophies.

He said: People dont often see my emotions because Im quite calm, but there is lots going on inside. Ive been playing all my life. Of course I love my wife and kids, but squash is my life. I just love being here and I will be coming back as long as I can. The guys here in their 80s are my heroes. I can hopefully be like them in a few years!

There were emotions aplenty too from 65+ womens champion Mary Sceney as she was engulfed by her Irish supporters after beating Wales Jill Campion 6-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-7. Three-time winner Sceney revealed: This is probably my swansong in the Masters, so I really wanted to win this one.

A lovely gesture pic.twitter.com/JBpCCRQK0B

World Squash (WSF) (@WorldSquash) August 22, 2024

Karen Meakins of Barbados defended her 50+ title by overcoming South Africas Linda Shannon in straight games, and Australias Susan Hillier won her third World Masters with 60+ victory over Scotlands Sue Strachan. Another Scot, Pauline Douglas, was competing in her eighth World Masters and got a third title win by beating Aussie Gaye Mitchell 11-4, 16-14, 11-9. Canadas Lauren Wagner won a North American duel with USAs Hope Prockop 11-5, 11-9, 12-10.

Two Canadians lined up in the final of the oldest age category, the mens 80+. Second seed Gerald Poulton beat old friend Howard Armitage 14-12, 4-11, 11-9, 11-6. Its a wonderful friendship, said Poulton. I must have been to upwards of 20 World Masters and World Masters Games etc and I love meeting the same people and new people. Its what squash is all about.

Belgian hopes unfortunately disappeared when mens 55+ finalist Gilles Roger sustained a nasty Achilles injury, having won the first game 11-2 against German Predi Fritsche.

The nights final match was a cracker, with home favourite Omar Abdel Meguid of Egypt, who coaches at the Frans Otten Stadion and captains their Eredivisie team, outlasting Irelands Arthur Gaskin in the mens 35+ final 17-15, 11-9, 9-11, 11-6.

There were 15 different nationalities amongst the 19 title winners in Amsterdam, with 1070 competitors taking part, breaking the record of 951 set at the 2016 World Masters in Johannesburg, South Africa.