Mara Yamauchi produced the best performance of her career to claim victory in the Osaka International Marathon on Sunday.

The 33-year-old from Harrow clocked a time of two hours 25 minutes and 10 seconds which shaded three seconds off her personal best.

Yamauchi began to stretch the pace after 32 kilometres and just over two kilometres later asserted total authority ahead of her rivals.

The Japan-based athlete finished nine second ahead of home favourite Tomo Morimoto with Julia Mombi of Kenya, finishing third in 2hr 26mins 00sec.

Yamauchi's performance confirmed her position as British number two behind Paula Radcliffe and victory is likely to secure her selection for the Beijing Olympics.

"I am happy with my first marathon victory," said Yamauchi, who finished ninth at the 2007 World Championships on the same course after leading in the early stages.

"I was hoping to run little faster, but a win is a win, so I am very happy.

"Because I slowed down on the same course last year in the World Championships, I made sure to finish strongly today."

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