Veteran American Jill Craybas ousted ASB Classic crowd favourite Ashley Harkleroad in the match of the tournament 2-6 6-1 7-6 (7-4) on court six at the ASB Tennis Centre on Tuesday.

In a thrilling dog fight the two Americans punched and counter-punched in a match that swung back and forth throughout.

Harkleroad, the 2004 losing finalist in Auckland, claimed the first set comfortably 6-2 and appeared ready to move into the next round.

But the gutsy 32-year-old Craybas called on all her experience and determination to come back in the second set and win it in a canter 6-1.

Harkleroad dropped two service games early in the deciding set and it appeared she was tiring in the Auckland heat.

But with a willingness to fight against all odds she broke Craybas twice in succession while holding serve to level the match.

Craybas broke once more to take a 6-5 lead and serve for the match but the 20 year-old Harkleroad stormed back to break and force a tie-break.

Even in the tie-break neither player would give in as all points were long rallies - some over 25 shots - leaving both women gasping for breath.

Eventually Harkleroad could not save a second match point and Craybas went through to the second round where she will meet either second seed Daniela Hantuchova or Yulia Beygelzimer.