Sanya (CHINA) – The finale of the 2015 Miss World contest came to a conclusion with Miss Spain Mireia Lalaguna Royo claiming the crown in Sanya, a coastal resort city in south China’s Hainan Province.
The pharmacy student from Barcelona claimed the illustrious crown after winning over the contest’s judges during the 65th edition of the world famous pageant in China.
Judges were reportedly impressed with Royo’s public speaking skills. She is the first Spanish contestant to take the Miss World crown.
The pageant’s second place was awarded to Russia’s Sofia Nikitchuk, while third place went to Indonesia’s Maria Harfanti. Victoria Mendoza, the Arizona model representing the United States, failed to make the top 20.
Without the love I have received from all of the people I have met here, and from all of the people wishing me well and supporting me at home, I would never have gotten to this point,” said the beauty queen.
Mireia said, “I want to show them and the world that I am deserving of the Miss World title and I hope to do everyone proud.”
This was the seventh time China has hosted the competition since 2003.
A second major pageant, Miss Universe, will be staged Monday morning (Thailand time) in Las Vegas.