RENO, Nev. - Terrence Syring of Bay City, Mich., topped more than 70,000 bowlers on the way to the 2010 Regular Singles title at the USBC Open Championships, and this week, he returned to the National Bowling Stadium to put his title on the line.

The 27-year-old right-hander came out firing and started his 2011 singles campaign with eight consecutive strikes before a nine count ended the run. He went on to post scores of 267, 210 and 235 for a 712 series, and although he won't be the first bowler to win back-to-back singles titles, just having the opportunity was pretty special. Edward Rede of El Paso, Texas, leads singles this year with 814.

"There was a lot more anticipation this year, that's for sure," said Syring, who made his fifth Open Championships appearance. "I was definitely looking forward to the tournament this year, and the excitement level was very high."

As a defending champion, it is not uncommon to feel some added pressure, which caused Syring to struggle early in his team event.

"Right from the start in team, I felt a little extra pressure," said Syring, who added 673 in doubles and 564 in team for a 1,949 all-events total. "When you're walking out as a defending champ, it adds some pressure and takes your mind off bowling for a little bit. Today, I didn't feel anything. I just tried to throw good shots."

Last year's win came with games of 276, 258 and 299 for an 833 series. After getting off to such a great start in singles this year, Syring tried not to allow the thought of repeating enter his mind.

"It crept into my mind a little bit," said Syring, who bowls league at Alert Lanes in Essexville, Mich. "Singles went really good for the most part. I was able to get in the groove, but just didn't get the breaks I got last year. I really wanted the 300 this year, though. Overall, I thought I bowled well, and I will take that score every year."

Things continue to get better for Syring and his family. Along with winning singles last year, Syring and his wife, Stacy, now are expecting their first child in November.

The next attempt at a title defense will come from Bowlers Edge Pro Shop of Neenah, Wis., which took home the 2010 Regular Team title with a 3,408 total, the highest team score in six previous visits to the National Bowling Stadium. The group will hit the lanes on April 2 at 11:30 p.m. Eastern, and their appearance will be broadcast live on BOWL.com.

Defending Regular All-Events champion Matt McNiel of Chanhassen, Minn., will look to make it two in a row when he takes to the lanes on April 17 and 18. His doubles and singles competition will be live streamed at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on April 18.

John Kreyer Jr. of Fridley, Minn., and Steve Bohn of Norwood, Minn., the defending Regular Doubles champions, will get their shot at repeating on May 7 at 8:30 p.m. and also can be watched live on BOWL.com.

Finally, two-time champion Bo Goergen and his Northern Lanes Pro Shop teammates of Sanford, Mich., will take to the lanes on May 28 and 29 looking to defend their Team All-Events crown. Their team event will be shown live at 5:30 p.m. Eastern on May 28.

Click here to watch video highlights from the 2011 Open Championships.
Presenting sponsors for the 2011 USBC Open Championships are Circus Circus, Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno and Silver Legacy Resort Casino Reno. Other sponsors include Sands Regency Casino Hotel, official brackets sponsor, Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, Humana, official registration sponsor, US Steltronic, official scoring system, and supporting sponsors Storm Bowling Products, UPS, Nationwide Insurance, Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa, Harrah's Reno Casino and Hotel and Peppermill Hotel Casino.