Easter Tournament Singles Men's Winner Samuel Thompson and Singles Women's Winner Shiying Li display their well-earned silverware.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The final point of the Maurie Rowland Open Men’s Single’s Tournament proved a red-letter moment for a familiar tennis ace.
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Melbourne’s Sam Thompson etched his name into the history books again at Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club’s iconic Easter Tournament, earning his third title in a row and fourth overall in a powerful victory over opponent Tyler Tranquille.
Thompson, a seasoned champion with victories in 2014, 2023, and 2024, secured his hat-trick of titles by outclassing Tranquille 6-0, 6-3 in a masterful display on the prestigious grass courts.
A member of Grace Park Tennis Club, the 32-year-old capped off a run where he failed to drop a set in the 2025 edition of the SLTC extravaganza.
However, he was quick to throw praise on his men’s final opponent.
“Tyler’s a great guy to play against,” Thompson said.
“He hits the ball very clean, I’ve played him a few times before, so I knew what to expect.”
The now four-time winner was handed the Maurie Rowlands Trophy by John Starritt, and heads into a short break before launching into the pennant season down in Melbourne.
But he didn’t depart without tipping his cap to the SLTC.
“It’s probably one of my favourite tournaments throughout the year,” he said.
“The tournament’s so well run, the courts are great, and the atmosphere is fantastic.
“I’ve had a number of wins fortunately at Shepparton, it’s always a pleasure to come back year after year.”
Singles Men's Winner Samuel Thompson notched his fourth title at SLTC.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
While the men’s competition saw a repeat champion, the women’s Singles saw a new name etched into the Easter Tournament honours board.
Shepparton’s Olivia Quigley, 2023 winner and runner-up in 2024, carved a path to the final in pursuit of her second Cheryl Cottrell Women’s Singles title, meeting Shiying Li on the final day of the tournament.
But despite a strong run of form into the last game, Quigley was no match for a red-hot Li, with the clash going the way of the Melburnian 6-0, 6-1.
“It was a good game,” Li said.
“This is the third time I’ve come to Shepparton. I like the grass (courts) because I think it’s more suitable for my game style.
“I’m just pleased to be able to bring something home.”
Shiying Li was a maiden winner at the Easter Tournament.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Despite defeat in the singles, Quigley didn’t walk away empty-handed.
She teamed up with Josephine New in the women’s doubles, meeting Li and Belinda Lim in a cracking three-set final.
The home-town duo took the first set 6-4 before the visitors took the second 4-6, resulting in a tie break.
Quigley and New held their nerve in a brilliant display, claiming the final stanza 11-9.
Singles winners Li and Thompson made it a triumphant double for the weekend with victory in the mixed doubles, while Joshua Tran and Michael Turlejski were the men’s doubles champions.
