RENO, Nev. - During the 2005 USBC Open Championships, D.J. Daniels of Mason, Ohio, knocked on perfection's door when he started his last game of singles with nine consecutive strikes before a 10 pin ended his bid at perfection.

That experience helped Daniels immensely when he found himself in the same position at the National Bowling Stadium on Friday. This time, he kept his cool and calmly delivered three strikes in the 10th frame for the 44th perfect game of the 2011 Open Championships. William Graham of Surprise, Ariz., followed suit with his own 300 game during doubles Friday night.

Daniels' 300 came in his final game of team after games of 221 and 178 for a 699 series. He helped Barker 5 of Louisville, Ky., to a 3,109 total. Turbo 2-N-1 Grips 1 of Madison, Wis., leads Regular Team with 3,473.

"It was a hopeful expectation," said Daniels, who made his 10th Open Championships appearance. "I've been fortunate enough to have 300s in league. I also had 300s in state and local tournaments, but to get one here completes a triple crown in a way. It's one of those outside dreams and hopes, but to actually do it, is a pure sense of accomplishment. You don't come here thinking you're going to shoot 300."

Before making the trip to Reno this week, the 48-year-old right-hander felt he could use a coaching session and drove to Louisville to get some work in. He also practiced on a variation of the tournament condition with his teammates.

"We bowled on the shot a little bit at home," said Daniels, who is the league secretary for the RMG Classic league at Princeton Bowl in Cincinnati. "I also got a little coaching. I visited some friends of mine in Louisville, Doug Barker and Chuck Farish. We just worked on some things, mostly focusing on the things I was doing wrong."

Daniels is fan of the Open Championships because it caters to all USBC bowlers and has an emphasis on team bowling. He also uses the annual event as a vacation with his wife, Rovonda.

"It is the ultimate in team bowling," said Daniels, who also hones his skills at Mason Bowl. "I've bowled a regional here and there, but that's not the way I wanted to go. This tournament is run well, and it's done the way it's supposed to be. I also get a chance to see friends I don't see very often. My wife and I also make it a family vacation. When I get done, I will ship my equipment home, and we will go out and start enjoying our week away."

Daniels added 601 in doubles and 572 in singles for a 1,872 all-events total.

Friday night, Graham struggled in his doubles opener, shooting 181, but he bounced back with 12 consecutive strikes for the 45th perfect game of the year. He started his third game with six more strikes for a total of 18 in a row and finished with 244 for a 725 total. He teamed with Jason Peters for a 1,241 doubles effort.

"It was a lifetime achievement," said Graham, who bowls league at Brunswick Zone Glendale (Ariz.). "It's a lifetime achievement to bowl a 300 on the biggest stage in the world. I practiced for months on this pattern. I owe it all to my teammates. They kept me calm and focused."

The Open Championships is in its 108th year, and the 40-year-old right-hander understands the historic value. He is grateful to now be included in such a rich history.

"It's amazing to be a part of history," said Graham, who made his sixth Open Championships appearance. "This tournament is the epitome of bowling. In 108 years, a lot of people have walked through those doors and tried to do what I did. It's amazing. My next goal is to shoot 800. This is the greatest tournament I have ever bowled in."

Graham made his first tournament appearance at the 1997 event in Huntsville, Ala. That experience allowed him to challenge himself physically and mentally.

"That catapulted me," said Graham, who was the 2010 Phoenix All-Events champion. "The challenge was something else. I wanted to challenge myself after bowling the tournament mentally, physically and emotionally. I love coming to this tournament. There is always a playable, but challenging condition."

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.