The result at the Olympics was impressive for the native of Star City, Sask., who is ranked No. 19 in the world.

Will, 26, lost in the first round to world champion Ruben Houkes of the Netherlands, but was pulled back into the repechage because Houkes advanced to the semi-final.

Will then defeated Greek judoka Laventrios Alexanidis, a three-time world cup medallist who won bronze at the 2008 European championship, to advance to the repechage final against Sobirov.

In the final match Will was defeated by a yuko and koka — 15 and 10-second holds, respectively.

A three-time Canadian champion, Will won the Pan American championships in Montreal this year.