Kang hot in Houston

Sung Kang shot a 9-under 63 to take a 6-shot lead in a record-breaking second round at the Houston Open yesterday in Humble, Texas.

After shooting a 65 on Thursday, Kang was at 16-under 128 through two rounds, setting the 36-hole tournament record of 129 by a stroke.

Kang’s 9-under yesterday matched the 18hole tournament course record.

Hudson Swafford and Russell Henley were at 10-under after both shooting 5-under 67.

Elsewhere, Norway’s Suzann Pettersen finished her wind-delayed first round with a 4-under 68 and added a second-round 69 at the ANA Inspiration in Rancho Mirage, Calif., taking a 1-shot lead over six players after two shortened days at the LPGA Tour’s first major of the year.

Also, Joe Durant shot a 6-under 66 for a 1-shot lead after the first round of the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic in Biloxi.

Misc.: U.S. women start strong

In Plymouth, Mich., Brianna Decker broke a scoreless tie late in the second period and Nicole Hensley stopped 18 shots, lifting the U.S. over Canada, 2-0, in the world championship opener for both teams.

The Americans started fast and strong just three days after averting a boycott with a four-year deal with USA Hockey. …

Rafael Nadal is back in the final at Key Biscayne (Fla.) for the fifth time, still looking for his first championship in the tournament.

The four-time runner-up beat unseeded Fabio Fognini 6-1, 7-5 in the semifinals at the Miami Open.

Nadal will face Roger Federer, whose season of resurgence took another thrilling turn when he won a seesaw semifinal against Nick Kyrgios, 7-6 (9), 6-7 (9), 7-6 (5). …

Seattle Mariners starter Drew Smyly will begin the season on the disabled list and could be out up to two months because of a strained left elbow.

NFL: Dolphins sign McDonald

Free agent safety T.J. McDonald signed with the Miami Dolphins, but he’ll miss the first half of the season while serving an eight-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

McDonald was arrested last May on suspicion of driving under the influence.

The Dolphins also released defensive end Dion Jordan, solidifying his status as a draft bust. …

Patriots receiver Chris Hogan, who played college lacrosse, will sign an honorary oneday contract with the NLL’s New England Black Wolves on April 7.