Mexican volunteer crowned Miss World

SANYA, CHINA: A Mexican model and volunteer was crowned Miss World at a glitzy event on the tropical Chinese island of Hainan on Saturday.

Miss Mexico Vanessa Ponce de Leon, 26, has a degree in international business, volunteers for "Migrantes en el Camino" and is on the board of directors of a rehab centre for girls, according to the Miss World website.

She was crowned as the 68th Miss World by last year's winner, Manushi Chhillar of India, in the coastal city of Sanya.

Contestants dance during the 68th Miss World pageant in Sanya, Hainan island, ChinaPHOTO: REUTERS

The colourful ceremony included US group Sister Sledge performing their 1979 disco anthem "We Are Family."



First runner up was Thailand's Nicolene Pichapa Limsnukan, a 20-year-old studying business administration.
Miss Belarus Maria Vasilevich, Miss Jamaica Kadijah Robinson and

Miss Uganda Quiin Abenakyo were also among the final five.
It is the eighth time the Miss World final has been held in Sanya, which first hosted the pageant in 2003.

2. Miss Mexico Vanessa Ponce de Leon, 26, is crowned by former Miss World 2017 India's Manushi Chhillar as she wins the Miss World 2018 title in SanyaPHOTO: REUTERS

Contestants take part in the 68th Miss World pageant in SanyaPHOTO: REUTERS

Contestants perform during the 68th Miss World pageant in SanyaPHOTO: REUTERS

Contestants perform during the 68th Miss World pageant in SanyaPHOTO: REUTERS

PHOTO: REUTERS

Miss Mexico and Miss World 2018 Vanessa Ponce de Leon (L) and runner-up Miss Thailand Nicolene Limsnukan take part in the 68th Miss World pageant in SanyaPHOTO: REUTERS

At the finals three years ago controversy erupted as officials in Hong Kong stopped Miss Canada, Anastasia Lin, from boarding a plane bound for Sanya, telling her she would not receive a visa.

The 25-year old actress claimed the decision was due to her stance on China's human rights record, including its persecution of Falun Gong, a Chinese spiritual group of which she is a practitioner.