He left school early to spend time practising snooker, confident that he could become a professional player.

[4] In his first round match against world number 9 Stephen Lee, Lardner trailed 3–9 before recovering to lose only 7–10.

[5] The following season, Lardner climbed to position 72 in the world rankings, and reached the first round of the UK Championship, losing to David Gray.

[6] He also achieved his best ranking tournament finish by reaching the last 16 of the Thailand Masters in March 2000, beating Fergal O'Brien in the last 32 before being defeated by Ken Doherty.

[7] However, he was defeated in the qualifying rounds of the World Championship to Icelandic player Kristján Helgason.