MEXICO CITY (AFP) - Japanse beauty model Riyo Mori, 20, was crowned Miss Universe 2007 at the global beauty contest here Monday, defeating 77 other candidates from around the world.
Second place went to Natalia Guimaraes, 22, from Brazil, and Ly Jonaitis, 21, from Venezuela.
Ningning Zhang from China, 20, won the Miss Congeniality award, while Anna Theresa Licaros, 22, from the Philippines, was chosen Miss Photogenic.
Mori received the crown from last year's winner, Zuleyka Rivera of Puerto Rico.
US real estate magnate Donald Trump rented Mexico City's National Auditorium for the contest.
In the days leading up to the final selection Miss USA endured boos from the public because of her country's attitude toward Mexicans living there.
Miss Mexico was also the subject of controversy, over her required regional dress, which depicted a late 1920s religious rebellion, complete with scenes of the rebels being hanged.
On Wednesday, a jury selected the 15 finalists, who paraded in cocktail dresses, gowns and bathing suits.