IndiaSphere

Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza, 22, was handed the crown by last year’s winner Riyo Mori of Japan. Mendoza – considered the favourite – says her kidnapping in her homeland when she was younger allowed her to remain poised under pressure.Miss USA Rachel Smith fell in the evening gown competition last year in Mexico, with the incident captured on YouTube. Miss Australia Laura Dundovic was among the final ten out of the original field of 80, alongside Miss Kosovo, Miss Spain, Miss Mexico, Miss Colombia, Miss USA, Miss Dominican Republic, Miss Russia, Miss Italy and Miss Venezuela. The 15 semifinalists in bright bikinis strutted across the stage before the final 10 appeared in evening gowns.