Chinese secretary crowned Miss World

China, where beauty contests were banned until five years ago, was celebrating its first Miss World last night when Zhang Zilin won the competition, staged in the communist country itself. The audience, in Sanya, cheered as the 23-year-old was voted the winner.

The Beijing secretary had been one of the favourites. Miss Angola, Micaela Reis, was runner-up, while Miss Mexico, Carolina Moran Gordillo, came third. Contestants were rated on various disciplines, including physical fitness, style, dress, personality and beauty.

The pageant was held on World Aids Day to raise awareness of the disease.

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