Miss China Wen Xia Yu bested 115 most beautiful women from around the world to take home the crown of Miss World 2012 during the finale held at Ordos in Inner Mongolia, China on August 18.
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The 23-year-old Yu is the second Chinese woman to be crowned Miss World since 2007 when Zhang Zilin won the crown.
Miss Wales Sophie Mouldsand and Miss Australia Jessica Kahawaty were announced first and second runner-up, respectively.
Meanwhile, Miss Hoang My, who represents Vietnam at the competition, failed to make it to the top 15 though she had been named in the Top 40 Beach Beauty round before.
Yu, who is currently a music student, says she wishes to become a music teacher.
In the final Q&A round, she told the judges that she hoped to use the crown to make children around the world feel lucky: “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.”
Miss Brazil Mariana Notarangelo, Miss India Vanya Mishra, Miss Jamaica Deanna Robin, and Miss South Sudan Atong Demach are among seven finalists.
Miss World 2012 Wen Xia Yu.
Miss World 2012 winner Yu Wenxia (bottom) of China reacts before receiving the crown from previous winner Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela (top) during the pageant's final ceremony. Photo: AFP
Miss Vietnam Hoang My failed to make it to the top 15 of the pageant.
Miss World 2012 winner Yu Wenxia (center) of China waves as she walks to receive the crown during the pageant's final ceremony. Photo: AFP
Yu Wenxia (right) of China waves to the audience after being crowned the winner of Miss World 2012. Photo: AFP
Miss World 2012 winner Yu Wenxia (center) of China waves as she stands next to second place contestent Miss Wales Sophie Moulds (left) and third place Miss Australia Jessica Kahawaty (right). Photo: AFP
Miss World 2012 winner Yu Wenxia (center) of China, second place contestant Miss Wales Sophie Moulds (left) and third place Miss Australia Jessica Kahawaty (right) pose for photos following the pageant's final ceremony. Photo: AFP
Miss World 2012 contestants wave following the pageant's final ceremony. Photo: AFP
Beauty Zhang Zilin is the first Chinese beauty to be crowned Miss World. She won Miss World 2007. Photo: Internet