Dennis Richmond of Reishauer plays a little 5-pin (gear?) bowling during a lull at IMTS 2006. In the background, Thomas Koepfer (left) of Jos. Koepfer & Söhne and Corey Sanderson (right) of Koepfer America serve as line judges (photo by Dennis Gimpert of Koepfer America).

HERE’S WHAT DENNIS WAS THINKING…

ANNOUNCER 1 (whispering)

Dennis Richmond’s closing in on his first perfect game as a professional. One more strike and he’ll have it. His face is a stony mask of concentration as he takes the ball.

ANNOUNCER 2 (whispering)

All eyes are on Richmond now. You can just feel the tension in the crowd. They all want to see that perfect game.

ANNOUNCER 1 (whispering)

He steps onto the lane and hefts his ball into position.

ANNOUNCER 2 (whispering)

Look at him just staring down the pins.

ANNOUNCER 1 (whispering)

He begins his approach, very smooth, very deliberate…and the release.

The crowd buzzes with chatter as the ball rolls down the lane.

ANNOUNCER 2

It looks good! I think he’s got it! I think he’s got it!

The crowd erupts in a frenzy of excitement.