China’s Yu Wenxia crowned Miss World 2012

In front of a home crowd, China’s Yu Wenxia was crowned this year’s Miss World at the international beauty pageant held at the weekend.
Malibu-raised Book didn’t even place, with Sophie Elizabeth Moulds of Wales coming first runner-up and Australia’s Jessica Michelle Kahawaty securing third place.
This is the second time Miss China has been awarded the title, which differs to the more well-known Miss Universe pageant, owned by Donald Trump.
The last time was in 2007 when Zhang Zilin took the honour.
Book, a stunning University of California Los Angeles student who studies film and Italian and collects exotic birds, was not expected to win the sought after crown after failing to make the cut as a finalist for the swimsuit competition.
Book (20) also stumbled in the talent category, which was dominated by Miss World Philippines, Quenerich Rehman, whose beat-boxing performance of “Teach Me How to Dougie” has gone viral.
Wenxia (23) is a music student who wants to become a music teacher and secured the title at the pageant held for the first time in the Inner Mongolian city of Ordos, one of the richest regions in China thanks to its abundant natural resources.
In her spare time, Wenxia enjoys hiking, travelling, singing, dancing and playing the piano, according to the Miss World website. She describes herself as someone who follows her dreams with a smile and says her favourite food is dumplings.
Miss World differs to Miss Universe as contestants don’t just compete in swimwear and evening wear  they also compete in talent, fitness, and “Beauty with a Purpose” where contestants’ charitable efforts are rewarded.
Fashion designers from each country are also able to showcase their work on their respective contestants. Miss World flies under the radar in the US though some former contestants have found fame after their reigns, including actress Halle Berry and Wonder Woman Lynda Carter.
According to The Washington Post, Miss World Unites States is not even selected through a national pageant, rather she is a model chosen to represent the country by a modelling agency. — Daily Mail.