InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5
(UPDATED - 11 p.m.) MANILA, Philippines - Miss China, 23-year-old model Wenxia Yu, was crowned as 2012 Miss World on Saturday during the pageant held in China's Dongsheng stadium in the desert city of Ordos. Miss Philippines Queneerich Rehman was among the top 15 finalists.
Miss Wales is the pageant's first runner up, while Miss Australia is second runner-up.
Also in the top 15 were Brazil, England, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, The Netherlands, South Sudan, Spain, and the United States.
Miss World 2011 Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela handed over her crown to Miss China. A total of 116 contestants -- the highest number ever -- joined the pageant.
"When I was young I felt very lucky because so many people helped me and I hope in the future, I can help more children to feel lucky," said Yu, who was wearing a glittering blue dress, after the result was announced.
The mostly Chinese audience erupted in cheers when it was announced that the home candidate, Yu Wenxia, had been awarded the title.
Ordos, around 700 kilometres (440 miles) from the nearest beach, is an unusual venue for the world's biggest beauty pageant.
Besides the traditional swimsuits and evening gowns, participants also donned outlandish costumes, with some dressed as belly dancers.
Below is Miss China's video courtesy of www.missworld.com.
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