Jan 2, 2006
By Dale Budge at the ASB Tennis Centre

American qualifier Ashley Harkleroad is through to the main draw of
the ASB Classic after beating Croatian Jelena Kostanic 6-0 4-6 6-3 on
a windy court four at the ASB Tennis Centre on Monday.

Having stormed through to the 2004 tournament, eventually making the
final Harkleroad is well known to New Zealand fans and clearly enjoys
playing in these conditions.

"I am very delighted. I am happy to be back. I love this tournament,"
the 20 year old told reporters after making the main draw.

Harkleroad breezed through the first set in a touch under 20 minutes
without dropping a game. She started so dominantly that Kostanic
didn't register a single point until the third game.

Harkleroad then broke early in the second set to take a commanding 3-
1 lead before she began to falter in the wind.

The gusty conditions affected both players' serves but Kostanic was
able to find her rhythm quicker and managed to kick-free of the arm-
wrestle and claim the second set 6-4.

But the third set was mostly Harkleroad as she exercised her strong
back-hand and used her athleticism to out-manoeuvre the Croat.

Harkleroad will face fellow American Jill Craybas in the first round
of the main draw on Tuesday.

The qualifier has some form against Craybas in Auckland, she beat her
in 2004.

Harkleroad missed last year's tournament after taking a nine-month
break from the sport while she got a new a focus on life.

"I have got perspective now. I know what I am playing for now.

"Even though I wasn't playing tennis I was teaching it."

Having once been ranked 39th in the world, Harkleroad's ranking
dropped outside the top 200 but she arrives in Auckland ranked 119.

As she embarks on another year on the WTA tour, Harkleroad is not
trying to do too much in 2006 simply looking for small gains.

"I would like to get back in the top 100. I am just setting small
goals."