Mottram steals the show as Sonia fails to find form
The the performance of the day at today's Bupa Cork City Sports came from Australian Craig Mottram in the men's 3000m as he blew away the rest of the field in claiming victory in a time of 7 minutes 38 seconds.
Local favourite Mark Carroll finished well down the rankings 8 minutes and 2 seconds.
There was no better news for Irish fans in the women's 100m hurdles when Derval O'Rourke finished in fourth place, well behind the winner Anjanette Kirkland of the USA.
Kirkland's compatriot Alan Webb put in a composed performance to secure victory in the men's 800m.
And, true to form, Olympic champion Dwight Phillips was triumphant in the long jump event with an effort of 8.17m. Ireland's Ciarán McDonagh came second with a fine jump of 8.09m.
Marlon Devenish claimed a second win of the day with victory in the men's 100m to complete the sprint double.
But, of course, the main draw was Sonia O'Sullivan. But, for once, she was upstaged on home turf by former world cross country champion Benita Johnson of Australia, who won an exciting race in a time of 8 minutes 55.73 seconds.
