No longer a surprise, Shibuno leads by 3 at U.S. Women’s Open

HOUSTON » Hinako Shibuno can do without the “Cinderella” nickname, just not the smile. That was bright as ever Friday as the Japanese star posted a 4-under 67 and opened a three-shot lead going into the weekend of the U.S. Women’s Open.

Shibuno’s lone mistake on a damp, soft day at Champions Golf Club was a three-putt bogey on the par-3 16th at the Jackrabbit course. Her objective was to avoid dropping more shots by being overly aggressive. She wound up with a 10-foot birdie putt to restore her lead over Arizona State sophomore Linn Grant of Sweden.

Shibuno was at 7-under 135, and only 12 players were within five shots of the lead. Amy Olson, the 18-hole leader, had to birdie her final hole for a 72. She was in the group with Papp and Megan Khang (69) at 3-under 139.

Joshua, Pulev weigh in, then talk trash wearing face masks

LONDON» Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and challenger Kubrat Pulev jawed at each other through black face masks on the eve of their title fight at Wembley Arena.

Joshua pointed a finger in Pulev’s face as they exchanged words while beefy security guards kept the peace during their weigh-in for Saturday’s bout.

During the exchange, Pulev twice readjusted his mask after it slipped below his nose, and Joshua’s mask also drooped low at one point.

The Bulgarian challenger will fight at his lightest weight — 239½ pounds — in 11 years. Joshua, 31, will be lean as well after weighing in at 240¾ pounds.

Reed takes 2-stroke lead in Dubai

DUBAI,UNITEDARABEMIRATES» Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed shot an 8-under 64 to take a two-stroke lead after the second round of the European Tour’s season-ending World Tour Championship.

Reed, looking to become the first American to win what was formally known as the Order of Merit title, made nine birdies to take the lead at 10 under at Jumeirah Golf Estates.