Megan Young passes on Miss World crown to South African Phl bet lands in Top 25

CEBU, Philippines – Rolene Strauss of South Africa was crowned Miss World 2014 at the Excel London ICC Auditorium on Sunday. Donning a pale pink, off-the-shoulder, ruffled evening gown, Strauss was among 122 contestants who competed for the coveted title this year.

First runner-up was Hungary’s Edina Kulcsár, a former finalist of the 2009 Miss Plastic Hungary beauty pageant. The contest featured candidates who had plastic surgery and aimed to promote the benefits of cosmetic procedures.

United States’ Elizabeth Safrit placed second runner-up and also won the Multimedia award.

Other contestants who made it to the top 10 were Australia, England, Guyana, Brazil, Kenya, Mexico, and India. Miss Thailand was rewarded with a spot in the top 11 for raking in the most number of votes for People’s Choice Award.

Miss Philippines Valerie Weigmann made it to the Top 25, but did not advance further.

Special awards were handed to Miss Bosnia and Herzegovina Isidora Borovcanin (Top Model), Miss Sweden Olivia Asplund (Miss Beach Fashion), and Miss Malaysia Dewi Liana Seriestha (Miss Talent).

Strauss is the first Miss World titleholder from South Africa in 40 years and the first to win the competition in more than 55 years.

In 1974, Miss United Kingdom Helen Elizabeth Morgan won the pageant and had to relinquish her crown days after it was discovered that she has a child, which defied competition rules. Miss South Africa at the time, Anneline Kriel, later took her place. The first and last time a competitor from her and Strauss’ country was crowned at the annual competition was in 1958, with winner Penelope Anne Coelen.

Meanwhile, Megan Young (who also hosted the pageant alongside Tim Vincent and Frankie Cena) showcased Filipino designers in her three outfit changes. She first appeared onstage wearing a Leo Almodal Philippine terno for the opening number, and followed it up with a red Edwin Tan gown for the announcement of challenge winners. For her farewell walk, she donned another beaded terno by Cherry Samuya Veric.