Dominican Republic's Claudia Julissa Cruz Rodriguez, and US' Nancy Randoll were the first and second runners up respectively in the final contest held on a balmy evening in the southernmost Hainan province, Xinhua reports.

Participants from 107 nations participated in the pageant, held for the second successive year in Sanya.

The pageant attracted roughly 2.5 billion TV viewers around the world, said Julia Morley, president of the organisation that sponsors the event.

The 55th pageant will also be held here year, she said.

The active support of the Sanya city government, the hospitality of the local people, the scenic splendour of the city and hotel facilities are major factors behind the organisation's decision, Morley said.
  
The Miss World competition was launched in 1951 as part of the New Year celebrations in Britain.

Currently, the theme of the event is to promote world peace, build an image of outstanding women and help children suffering from hunger. 

--Indo-Asian News Service