Sonia O'Sullivan received a significant boost ahead of this month's Olympic Games when she finished third in the 3000 metres at the prestigious Golden League meeting in Zurich.
Tonight's offering was a considerable improvement on recent form and the Cobh athlete will travel to Athens with renewed optimism.
Having led the field by a considerable distance with four laps remaining, O'Sullivan looked to have a firm grasp on the race.
However, Edit Masai, the impressive Kenyan athlete, soon collared the Irish runner and sailed into what would prove an lead she would never relinquish.
O'Sullivan dropped back to third on the bell as Tola Zenebech of Ethiopia made her move. She rallied gamely with 200m to run to reclaim second spot before tiring again in the closing stages.
O'Sullivan will nevertheless be delighted with her time of 8:41:42, the seventh fastest time in the world this year. Masai eased right down at the line to win in 8:36.43.