RENO, Nev. - George Rowan and Rod Singer of Columbus, Ohio, have bowled doubles together in various tournaments over the years and even found the winner's circle once, but now, they're in position to claim a victory on bowling's biggest stage at the USBC Open Championships.

The two were in perfect harmony as they moved into the Regular Doubles lead with a 1,494 total at the National Bowling Stadium on Saturday. Erik Hohlbein of Renton, Wash., and Shawn Copeland of Milwaukie, Ore., previously held the lead with 1,466.

Singer put together games of 278, 242 and 289 for an 809 series, while Rowan added 205, 257 and 223 for 685. Singer's 800 series was the 10th of this year's Open Championships and the third in two days.

"I had the right ball in my hand and was very comfortable," said Singer, who made his 16th Open Championships appearance. "It's all about getting comfortable. It's nice to know when you let it go that it's going to make the right move."

Both Singer and Rowan were unaware of the leading score, and their goal was to get to 1,500.

"I wasn't sure what the high was," said Singer, who bowls league at Columbus Square Bowling Palace. "I knew I had a chance to shoot 800, but I was just hoping to get us to 1,500. I thought if we could get there, we would have a really good chance to win. For me to help George get an eagle would be great."

Rowan, who is seven year's short of another coveted tournament milestone, made his 43rd Open Championships appearance and is excited about the possibility of a title on the tournament lanes.

"It would be great," said Rowan, who bowls league at Capri Lanes. "It's always something I thought I could do, but doing it is a different story. We go to bowl and have fun, but we always want to bowl well. This would be the highlight of my career."

Mark Dahart of Willingboro, N.J., also enjoyed a career highlight at the Open Championships as he rolled the 19th perfect game of this year's event during his final game of singles Saturday afternoon.

The 36-year-old right-hander got off to a rough start with a 166 game, but opened his second game of singles with eight consecutive strikes before a 9 pin ended his run at perfection. He finished with 255 and started striking again on the way to a 721 singles set. Matt Weggen of Muscatine, Iowa, leads Regular Singles with 826.

"I threw a couple bad balls after missing in the ninth frame of the second game," said Dahart, who bowls league at Cherry Hill Playdrome. "My friend told me to get back on it, and I did. My shot hadn't changed, and I just had to throw the ball. On one shot, I came in high and tripped a 4 pin, but you have to catch a break somewhere."

Bowling in memory of his late father, Kenneth, who passed away last year, Dahart calmly delivered three strikes in the 10th frame to add his name to the tournament record books.

"I have my dad's wedding ring on my chain," said Dahart, who made his third Open Championships appearance. "The last game he ever saw me bowl was a 300, and I always kiss the ring before the 12th shot. My father and I were best friends. He was a big supporter and always traveled with me to various tournaments."

Dahart understands the magnitude of the Open Championships and is happy to be part of a historic group.

"It means a lot to me," said Dahart, who added 586 in doubles and 554 in team for a 1,861 all-events total. "It's the biggest tournament in the country. You always want to bowl good when you get here."

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.