Following an emphatic victory over American Marla Runyan in the 3000m at then Norwich Union Classic at Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield, O'Sullivan confirmed she would double up in Munich.

"I might as well try it. You've got to try it, but I have to get the 5,000 qualifying time," said the Irishwoman.

O'Sullivan was taken aback by the nature of her triumph over Runyan, who had won when they last met in May.

"I always felt in control. I was surprised.

"I had run over 2k before I looked behind me and realised I would not have to save something and could just push on."

The Cobh runner was moderately pleased with her time of 8:44.02 in blustery conditions but was more concerned to have regained the initiative over Runyan.

"It was important to get one over on Marla.

"It gives me confidence for when I face Szabo and the others, as I am building up to the Europeans.

"But I need a good, hard race. I need to work on my speed and I need to win a duel down the home straight".

Massey wins

Runyan, who suffers from a degenerative eye disorder and is registered blind, was surprised by her time of 8:46.67 in such difficult conditions.

She said: "Considering the wind and that neither of us had much help, it's not bad".

While O'Sullivan was delighted with her performance, her compatriot Mark Carroll suffered a chastening experienced in placing 15th in the men's 3000m in 8:04.28.

Carroll, a bronze medallist in the 5000m at the last European Championships, appeared to be struggling throughout a race won by Morocco's Mohammed Amyn in 7:57.83.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games hopeful Eva Massey produced a winning performance competing for Britain's U23 team over the weekend.

The shot putter produced a best throw of 15.49m which was only .08m behind her Northern Ireland record.

Massey produced the throw despite suffering from a bad dose of 'flu.