Tapper crashes out but makes history

Victorian table tennis player Melissa Tapper has suffered a first round defeat in Rio but made history as the first Australian to compete at both an Olympics and Paralympics.

The 2012 Paralympian, who was born with nerve damage in her right arm, lost 4-2 to Brazil's Caroline Kumahara in the women's singles preliminary round on Saturday.

"It took me sixteen years to get here... It's something I'll remember forever," the 26-year-old told reporters.

"When I turn up to the Paralympics I'm going to fight just as hard as I did in that last match."