Scotland finished 13th – five places higher than in India two years ago – after a final day 2-1 win over the Netherlands at the world men’s team championships in Odense in Denmark.

Alan Clyne, the Scottish No.1, lost the opening tie 10-12 5-11 6-11 to Laurens Jan Anjema, but Chris Small and Scottish Champion Stuart Crawford both won five game marathons.

At the end of a long week of seven matches, Small, making his world debut at the age of 31, claimed a 10-12 11-6 11-6 10-12 11-8 victory over Sabastaien Weenink, while Crawford had an equally impressive 5-11 11-2 10-12 11-6 11-9 win over Piedro Schweertman.

Egypt beat France 2-1 in the final to win the world title, while Australia beat England, the winners at the last two championships, 2-1 in the bronze medal play-off. 

National Champion Stuart Crawford claimed the points for the team that finished 18th in India two years ago. 

Chris Small lost the opening match 11-6 6-11 3-11 8-11 to former world top ten player Derek Ryan, but Clyne levelled the score with a 9-11 11-6 11-4 11-2 triumph over Liam Kenny. 

In the decider, Crawford dropped the first game, but hit back to beat Arthus Gaskin 8-11 11-5 11-6 11-5.