RENO, Nev. - Before making his way to the USBC Open Championships this week, Ron Dixon of Boynton Beach, Fla., had to make up one USBC Sport league session and pre-bowl for another.

The success he had on those challenging conditions allowed him to step into the National Bowling Stadium with a little extra confidence, which helped him find his way into the tournament record books with an 815 series Thursday evening.

Dixon opened his doubles event with games of 278 and 238 before stringing together 11 consecutive strikes in the finale. While he came up short in his bid for 300 with the 18th 299 game of this year's event, the near-perfect effort helped him to the 13th 800 series of the year.

The 49-year-old right-hander also teamed with Joe Firpo of Tucker, Ga., for a 1,477 doubles total, which is which is good for third place in Regular Doubles. Brandon Tarabek and Chad Reiffer of Grand Rapids, Mich., lead with 1,497.

Dixon always has wanted to roll a 300 game at the Open Championships and at the Stadium, but never thought once about shooting 800, though he came close in 2007 when he shot 795 to lead his team to a second-place finish.

"This was huge," said Dixon, who has owned Keglers' Corral Pro Shop inside AMF Boynton Beach since 1991. "I rate it right up there with some of my proudest achievements. To shoot 300 would have been really good because my goal has always been to do that at the Stadium. I'm happy that I made a good really shot (10 pin), and I'm extremely happy that I shot 800. The Stadium is known around the world, and it's a very special place."

Dixon had the support of his longtime friends and teammates as he entered the record books. Their encouragement and excitement were key.

"My teammates were right next to me," said Dixon, who also bowls league at Verdes Tropicana. "We all grew up together and have known each other for more than 25 years. That really helped a lot. The pat on the back and the encouragement were great. Me, Del, Chuck, Joe and Tony all went on Tour at the same time. We all live in different parts of the country now, but we have that special bond that ties us together. We're almost more brothers than friends."

Dixon added 691 in team and 594 in singles for a 2,100 all-events total. He also helped Barneys 1 of Rogersville, Mo., to a 3,326 team total, which is 22nd overall.

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.