Oregon bowler shoots first 298 of 2009 Open Championships

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LAS VEGAS - When Richard Perez of Portland, Ore., lost his job in March, he gave up his spot at the USBC Open Championships, but told his friends that if he could get everything in order, he'd still like to make the trip to Las Vegas.

Perez ended up joining his former teammates at Cashman Center this week, and even though his original place on the team was no longer available, he was able to secure a spot on the lanes as a substitute with another group.

Despite disappointing performances in team and doubles, Perez ended his 2009 tournament campaign on a positive note when he rolled a 298 game Wednesday.

The 29-year-old right-hander shot 539 in team and 463 in doubles before starting singles with 182 and 214. It was during the second game of singles that everything came together for Perez, who opened his final game with 11 consecutive strikes. His final offering crept up high and left the 3-6 for the first 298 of this year's event. There have been 21 perfect games and nine 299s.

"I was more nervous on that last shot than I have ever been going for a 300," said Perez, who now is self-employed and sells cell phone and iPod accessories online. "I was extra nervous because of where we are, and it's an honor to shoot something huge here."

As a competitive bowler, Perez has high expectations for himself but knows that the pins won't always fall in his favor. Besides bowling, though, traveling to the Open Championships also is a vacation and a chance to spend time with friends.

"When you're a good bowler, you have expectations for yourself, and if you don't bowl well, you get down," said Perez, who made his fourth tournament appearance and finished with a 1,696 all-events total. "But the best bowlers are able to pick themselves back up. This is a great way to end the tournament, and I'm ecstatic. Just to be able to be here meant a lot, and now I'm ready to celebrate."

Presenting sponsors for the 2009 USBC Open Championships are the Coast Casinos in Las Vegas and the Eldorado Hotel Casino, Silver Legacy Resort Casino and Circus Circus in Reno, Nev. Other participating sponsors are Kegel, official lane maintenance provider; Brunswick, capital equipment supplier; Storm Products, Inc.; Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel and Four Queens Hotel and Casino, the official brackets sponsors; Sapphire Gentleman's Club; Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino; MGM Mirage; Jerry's Nugget Casino and Fitzgerald's Casino and Hotel.