ARCHERY: Team bronze medallist Alec Potts has gone down in the tightest of first round clashes in the individual competition at the Sambodromo.

After making history on the first full day of competition in Rio, Potts was unable to overcome local hero Bernardo Oliveira in front of a boisterous crowd at one of the city's most iconic venues. 

Potts took an early lead, but it appeared Oliveira relished the atmosphere and warmed into the clash as he eventually claimed the victory 6-4.

"I feel I shot a lot better in this than I did in the team event as far as my risk-taking with my shots, my timing and my confidence out there," said the 20-year-old Victorian. 

"There is not a lot of difference between a ten and an eight and unfortunately I had a lot of the eights today."

After the first set was split as both archers shot 26, Potts claimed the second 27-25 before the duo took a point each in the third after both shooting 27. 

Highlighting just how cut-throat the competition is, Oliveira won the final two sets by a single point, 27-26, to earn himself a spot in the 1/16 round.

Despite the loss Potts was pleased with his overall Olympic campaign and with a bronze medal to his name who can blame him.

"I wasn't expecting to go home with a medal at all. I've been shooting well in training and it's been a really nice progression for me over the past twelve months. 

"To come home with a medal I've done more than what I could ask for."

The young gun appears to have many more Olympic campaigns in him and Rio 2016 could be the catalyst for a long and successful international archery career. 

"I don't feel I'm anywhere near my peak yet. Last year I was consistently shooting 660s in training and now I can push 690s.

"For me it's about getting more experience in these competitions that will give me that next edge."

Australia still has two chances in the men’s individual event with Taylor Worth shooting later on Day 4 (August 9) and Ryan Tyack shooting on Day 5 (August 10).

Matt Bartolo

olympics.com.au