KUALA LUMPUR: Aaron Tai finally got his hands on his first Super 500 title with Yap Roy King, but it was an almost-handshake at the Arctic Open prize presentation that got social media buzzing.
Fresh from their breakthrough triumph in Vantaa, Finland, on Sunday, Aaron-Roy King stepped onto the podium after beating Taiwan's Lai Po Yu-Tsai Fu Cheng to claim their first title as a pair.
The medals were ready, the smiles were out, and Aaron was clearly in the mood to celebrate.
Then came a moment nobody saw coming.
As the female presenter placed the medal around Aaron's neck, the Malaysian stretched out both hands, seemingly expecting a handshake to complete the celebrations.
However, the handshake never came.
The presenter moved on to place the medal around Roy King's neck, leaving Aaron momentarily stranded with his hands out and no handshake in sight.
What happened next was pure Aaron.
Rather than let the awkward moment show, the Malaysian quickly turned it into a light-hearted gesture, raising his hands towards his face with a smile as though brushing off the embarrassment.
Thankfully, the handshake saga had a happy ending.
Aaron eventually got his handshake, as did Roy King, after the presenter had awarded both players their medals.
Still, the brief exchange added an unexpected twist to Aaron's memorable Arctic Open victory.
The pair arrived in Finland chasing a breakthrough title, but Aaron walked away with something extra - a viral moment that badminton fans can replay and laugh about long after the medals have been put away.
Known for his wit and sporting spirit, Aaron showed that his quick thinking is not limited to the badminton court.
Whether finding a way through a tricky rally or navigating an unexpected moment on the podium, he appears just as capable of improvising when the situation calls for it.
After all, winning a first Super 500 title is special enough.
Winning one while accidentally starring in a viral handshake moment? That is a bonus nobody puts in the tournament schedule.
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