By Elliott West
“The best place I have ever played snooker”.
John Lardner, describing his 1999 experience at the Crucible.
Introduction
Glasgow has been a hotbed of snooker for many years and has produced players such as Graeme Dott, John Higgins, Anthony McGill, Stephen Maguire, Alan McManus and Eddie Sinclair. Perhaps lesser known in the snooker history books is John Lardner. John was a professional snooker player on the main tour from 1991-2001 and his best ranking performance came at the 2000 Thailand Masters where he reached the last 16, losing 5-3 to Ken Doherty. He also reached the first round of the 1999 World Championship Championship, losing 10-7 to Stephen Lee.
Career
Born in 1972, John Lardner left school at an early age to pursue a career in snooker, a game that he loved. He soon reaped the benefits of his skill when in 1988 he won the Star of the Future award at a competition in Prestatyn. Turning professional in 1991, John soon went on to reach the final of the non-ranking tournament, the Benson and Hedges Championship in 1993 where he faced Ronnie O’Sullivan, a final where Ronnie was victorious, beating his opponent 9-6. He did however win Event 3 of the WPBSA minor tour in 1995.
In 1999, then 26 years old, Lardner reached the first round of the World Championship after defeating Neal Foulds, Quinten Hann and Martin Clarkin in the qualifiers. However, he would face the dynamic Stephen Lee in the first round, a man with a Rolls Royce cue action. Trailing 3-9 in the match, it looked like Lee was home and dry but John pushed his opponent, recovering to losing the match only 7-10. A brave effort and one that rewarded Lardner with £12,500 in prize money.
The following season the Scot climbed to 72 in the rankings and reached the first round of the UK Championship, losing to David Gray. He also achieved his best ranking finish by reaching the final of the Thailand Masters, beating Fergal O’Brien in the last 32 before losing to Ken Doherty in the final. His World Championship hopes were dashed in 2000 when he lost to Icelandic player Kristján Helgason but did climb to 67th in the rankings for the 2000/1 season.
Summary
John Lardner played a total of 241 matches, winning 137 and losing 104 and made his highest break of 137 in the 1998-1999 season and also made a 132 break at the 1993 Benson and Hedges Championship. A man who made £70,315 in career earnings and now describes himself on social media as a socialiser and thinker.
