McConnell is hoping for another good outdoor season

The Commonwealth silver medallist produced a turn of speed in the finishing straight to claim victory in a time of 51.72 seconds.

"I can't believe it was that slow. I was conservative at the start - maybe too much," she said.

But Marion Jones again struggled, settling for second place by Chandra Sturrup in the 100m.

Sturrup won in 11.42 seconds, with Jones, who false-started at the first time of asking, clocking a sluggish 11.67.

Jones also finished behind Bahamian Sturrup in the Dutch town of Hengelo on Sunday.

Three-time Olympic gold medallist Jones is trying to regain her form after being linked to the Balco steroid scandal in the United States.

Her only appearances in Europe so far have been at the Milan and Hengelo meetings.

McConnell got her outdoor season off to a good start, climbing to the top of the British women's 400m rankings.

Donna Fraser was in third spot in the home straight but drifted back to finish fourth in 52.57.

And Mo Farah finished in 10th place in his first race over 5,000m - winner Moses Mosop won in 13:18.73.

Sale Harrier Stuart Stokes also clocked the 3,000m steeplechase qualifying time for the Commonwealth Games. He clocked 8:38.74 for ninth place.