/ 18 August 2012

Chinese beauty crowned Miss World at home

Newly crowned Miss World Yu Wenxia of China waves after she won the Miss World 2012 beauty pageant at the Ordos Stadium Arena in inner Mongolia.
Newly crowned Miss World Yu Wenxia of China waves after she won the Miss World 2012 beauty pageant at the Ordos Stadium Arena in inner Mongolia.

The mostly Chinese audience erupted in cheers when it was announced that the home candidate, Yu Wenxia, had been awarded the title.

Explaining during the final why she should win the Miss World title, Yu said: "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."

Last year's Miss World Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela handed over her crown in the futuristic Dongsheng stadium in the northeastern city of Ordos.

A total of 116 contestants  – the highest number ever  – took to the stage during the contest, watched annually by about a billion people around the globe.

Ordos, around 700-kilometres  from the nearest beach, is an unusual venue for the world's biggest beauty pageant. – AFP