American teenager Ashley Harkleroad provided the first shock of the Acura Classic as she defeated 13th seed Patty Schnyder in the first round on Monday.
The 19-year-old wildcard saw off the Swiss 6-4 3-6 7-5 in a tightly balanced match in San Diego.
With one set apiece, Schnyder moved to a 30-0 lead as she served to stay in the match but four straight errors handed the Harkleroad victory.
The world 109 now faces fellow American Amy Frazier in the second round.
Russian Vera Zvonareva defeated Nathalie Dechy of France with an agressive performance.
"It was a tough match for me, especially because it's a first-round match and they're always tough to play," said 12th seed Zvonareva.
"I expected a tough match, and I think I did well. It was two sets for
the first time against her."
Elena Bovina also advanced after knocking out Italian 15th seed Francesca Schiavone 6-3 3-6 6-4.
Australia's Alicia Molik was also on form in the blazing sunshine as she swept past compatriot Nicole Pratt 6-3 6-4.
But 14th seed Anna Smashnova-Pistolesi of Israel crashed out 6-0 6-3 to home favourite Chanda Rubin in a night match.
In other first-round matches, Daniela Hantuchova came from behind in the first set for a 7-6 6-3 win over qualifier Marissa Irvin, Kristin Brandi ousted Akiko Morigami 6-3 1-6 7-5 and Marion Bartoli beat Fabiola Zuluaga 6-3 6-4.
Others to advance on Monday were Eleni Daniilidou, Barbara Schett, Karolina Sprem and Lilia Osterloh.
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