After reading an article with one of our contributors here at Misso, I realized that indeed all indications point to the fact that Jamaica will eventually clinch the coveted Miss World crown. She is in the Sports semis and she is one of the Top Model Top Ten. Of course, the latter is a very crucial competition at Miss World. To appreciate the importance of Top Model, consider the following facts:
1.) Four of the Top 7 last year were all in the Top 20 of Top Model competition. Only South Africa, Scotland and Puerto Rico were not on the Top aModel List
2.) Two of the Miss World winners, Ksenia Sukhinova of Russia and Zhang Zilin of China are Top Model winners
3.) Mariann Berkidal and Perla Beltran also placed well after winning the Top Model competition.
4.) Last year, Gwendoline Ruais of the Philippines was 2nd-runner up in the top model and finished as first princess, while Alize Lily Mounter of England who was fourth runner-up in the top model, got in the top 7 finalists. And of course, reigning Miss World Ivian Sarcos was in the top ten top model and won the crown.
So, if anything, Top Model is making things clearer. I put my bet now on Miss Jamaica and Miss China with Miss Brazil as second princess. I am a bit cautious though because last year’s top scorer - after all semis scores were tallied - was Miss Puerto Rico Amanda Villanova. And she was not even in the Top Model Top 20. Which means any candidate that is not shortlisted in Top Model Top has still a pretty good chance.
Not all of those who made it to the Top 10 of the Top Model can necessary make it to the Top 7, let alone on the semis. And I am being factual. There are some things that govern the scoring system that we are totally blind like the Beauty with a Purpose and yet to be announced Beach Fashion. More importantly, the interviews carry a lot of weight which is by the way done in closed doors.
I would like to mention a few of delegates that I would like to talk about.
Miss Jamaica – She came from nowhere to become the current front runner. This woman is simply an all around delegate and I agree with the contributor. All arrows of victory are indeed pointing towards her. History also says that a black Miss World is long overdue. It is way more than a decade since Agbani Darego won the crown. In comparison, it only took 8 years since Lisa Hanna’s victory for another black woman to become Miss World. I think that the organization is already eyeing on Deanna to become Miss World and I personally pick her as Miss World 2012.
Miss China PR – The best from China since Zhang Zilin. I pick her as the 1st princess. She has all the materials needed for a win and her performance at several competitions was strong. I also think that China will not settle for anything below Top 7.
Miss Brazil Mariana Notarangelo – My 2nd princess. She is the best Brazilian I’ve seen in many years at Miss World. She also came from nowhere to grab a lot of attention for placing well in several contests like the talent and Top Model. Personally, I am not really impressed with her but her solid performance can sway even an ardent critic.
Miss Colombia – Originally my Miss World but she lost a lot of steam. Her track towards the crown is chugging instead of a blitz. But this is already a far cry from the day when the public knew that she would represent Colombia at Miss World. She didn’t have many fans back then. I just think that Miss World should crown a contestant from a nation which never had a winner before. Colombia is dying to have a Miss World.
Miss Philippines Queenierich Rehman – she had a good run but she fell short at Top Model and I was expecting she’s a top ten material in this contest. She did wow a lot of people with her beatboxing and she is a serious contender to win the talent competition. But this would really count less in the end. I would love to see her win because Philippines never won the Miss World crown which is illogical. The country is a die hard pageant fanatic and had won several crowns in the other 3 major pageants.
Miss Russia Elizavata Golovanova – I thought that this girl could have it but her real colors came out in this competition. She lacks the intrinsic beauty to compete. It was all photoshop sad to say. Her height advantage was demolished by her body structure that makes her look like a bulky woman. Her sweet aura came off now as mature thanks to her ill-advised styling. I thought this woman had it but no.
Miss Israel Shani Hazan – I always believe that Israeli girls are overhyped but Shani is an exception. She showed she can shine and shine she did. I expect her to be in the Top 7 but not really winning the crown.
Miss Australia Jessica Kahawaty – She is still a force to reckon with. Now we all love her Aboriginal dance, don’t we? Expect her to show strongly as her confidence is boosted by her Top 10 finish at Top Model.
Miss Poland Weronika Szmajdrinska – She is the dark horse that can pull an upset. Don’t count her out! Poland is here to make a good mark at the Miss World pageant. I think that she is one of the most underrated delegates in this year’s edition. Expect her at Top 7.
So here’s my Top 15
1. Jamaica
2. China
3. Brazil
4. Philippines
5. Poland
6. Australia
7. Israel
8. Kazakhstan
9. Wales
10. Mexico
11. Mongolia
12. Puerto Rico
13. Chile
14. Colombia
15. Nepal
Ric Galvez is the founder of Missosology.org.
