The pageant is in a day!
Miss Venezuela Valentina Patruno Macero attends a news conference in Sanya located at China's tropical island of Hainan, December 4, 2003. China will host the 2003 Miss World Finals on Saturday. REUTERS/Bobby Yip
Miss Canada Nazanin Afshin-Jam (L) and Miss Venezuela Valentina Patruno Macero smile during a news conference in Sanya, on China's tropical island of Hainan, December 4, 2003. China will host the 2003 Miss World Finals on Saturday, putting the world's most populous country officially on the beauty pageant map. REUTERS/Bobby Yip
Miss Hong Kong Yeung Lok-ting speaks during a news conference in Sanya, on China's tropical island of Hainan, December 4, 2003. China will host the 2003 Miss World Finals on Saturday, putting the world's most populous country officially on the beauty pageant map. REUTERS/Bobby Yip
Miss Ireland Rosanna Davison (2nd R), named Miss World Beach Beauty 2003, poses with runner-up Miss Switzerland, Bianca Nicole Sissing (L), 2nd runner-up Miss Bolivia, Helen Aponte Saucedo, along with Miss Norway, Elisabeth Wathne, in Sanya located at China's tropical island of Hainan, December 3, 2003. China will host the 2003 Miss World competition on December 6, putting the world's most populous country officially on the beauty pageant map. REUTERS/Kin Cheung
A strict sex and booze ban has been slapped on Miss World contestants, seen here on a beach in Sanya, on southern China's resort island of Hainan, where the competition takes place this week.(AFP)
SANYA, CHINA: A selection of Miss World 2003 contestants pose following a press conference, 04 December 2003 in Sanya, in China's southern Hainan province, where the new beauty queen will be crowned 06 December. Contestants are, from Left to Right: Qi Guan of China; Valentina Patruno Macero of Venezuela; and Lok Ting Yeung of Hong Kong. AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)
Final Review - globalbeauties.com
How difficult can it be to predict the winner of the most competitive pageant of all times? You may answer: Easy! After all, Miss Ireland is the favorite of 9 out of every 10 betting agencies, the webmasters' choice and the most mentioned delegate by fans and journalists in message boards and specialized sites. However, it is very rare that logic applies to a beauty contest of this magnitude.
Besides what those who have been following the pageant saw and read about these 106 beautiful women, there are other important factors to be considered, such as how well they will do in their private interviews with the judges, the gowns they will pick to wear at the final night of competition, and the momentum of each girl when the final competition takes shape. Make-up, hair, lights, and her emotional well-being.
In other words, a big favorite, if not in a good day, may not do well as expected, while a girl who had never been noticed until then, could shine so bright to the point of winning the crown!
Taking all this into account, here is what we believe could happen to each contestant. Next to each country represented, you will see two numbers. The first is a score from 1,00 to 10,00, based on beauty, personality, stage presence, communication skills, poise. The second is the odds of winning the crown. It also includes sash factor, media exposure, recent history in the pageant. It ranges from 1:1 (highest) to 100:1 (lowest).
We begin with GROUP 1 (The contestants have been distributed in several groups, and this is the order they will appear on stage during the telecast)
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GROUP 1
MALTA (8,94 – 20:1)
BOTSWANA (8,85 – 24:1)
NEW ZEALAND (9,29 – 14:1)
ANTIGUA (8,08 – 40:1)
PHILIPPINES (9,18 – 12:1)
WALES (8,60 – 22:1)
ISRAEL (9,33 – 10:1)
ICELAND (8,31 – 33:1)
VIETNAM (7,91 – 66:1)
KOREA (7,62 – 80:1)
JAPAN (7,80 – 66:1)
TURKEY (9,17 – 16:1)
STAND-OUTS: New Zealand, Israel, Philippines
When it comes to beauty and presence, New Zealand, who has even been compared to Gisele Bunchen, the world's #1 supermodel, seems to be the most complete in this group. Israel follows with an incredible figure and vibrancy. Her natural beauty could impress the judges. Miss Philippines has a great chance to win the People's Choice contest and advance to the semis. She projects well on a catwalk and knows how to work the cameras.
EYE ON... Malta, Turkey. Both have enough beauty to pull a surprise. However, they need more sparkle, to be more “alive”, when being interviewed by the judges.
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GROUP 2
ALBANIA (8,92 – 18:1)
ITALY (8,22 – 33:1)
BELGIUM (8,60 – 20:1)
FRANCE (7,91 – 50:1)
INDIA (9,20 – 12:1)
NORTHERN MARIANAS (7,77 – 80:1)
ARGENTINA (7,81 – 80:1)
BOLIVIA (9,54 – 6:1)
ARUBA (9,01 – 18:1)
CURACAO (8,68 – 28:1)
SPAIN (9,06 – 14:1)
PERU (9,34 – 8:1)
STAND-OUTS: Bolivia, Peru, India
There are three very strong contenders in Group 2: Bolivia (already a semi-finalist), Peru and India. Miss Bolivia looks amazing on the U DECIDE special. Tall, exotic, sexy, many are the people who believe she could take the title back to Latin America after 7 years. Peru, on the other hand, was a bit disappointing in U DECIDE. Nonetheless, she remains a favorite among locals and the press. Her gorgeous face and fantastic personality should gain her enough votes to advance. India started cold and gained more and more ground as the competition developed. Very unique beauty who knows what she's here for.
EYE ON... Spain, Aruba, Albania. Don't lose sight of these three beauties just yet! Spain has amazing big blue eyes and a strong character. Aruba grows when she smiles and talks. She is prepared to keep the Aruban streak on going. Albania is your regular “girl next-door”, exuding natural beauty. She is also intelligent, but little enthusiastic.
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GROUP 3
ANGOLA (8,82 – 22:1)
BRAZIL (9,30 – 10:1)
ANDORRA (8,69 – 24:1)
PORTUGAL (8,45 – 33:1)
BARBADOS (7,39 – 100:1)
JAMAICA (8,80 – 20:1)
GUADELOUPE (9,09 – 20:1)
NEPAL (8,03 – 66:1)
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA (9,00 – 22:1)
CROATIA (9,12 – 20:1)
GEORGIA (9,33 – 10:1)
GERMANY (7,80 – 80:1)
STAND-OUTS: Georgia, Brazil. Miss Georgia, winner of the talent contest and already a semi-finalist, resembles Justine Pasek, Miss Universe 2002, but taller. She is extremely beautiful and could go as far as winning the title. Miss Brazil is probably the best communicator in the group. She also masters the runway as a pro, and should have no problems being named, the least to say, a semi-finalist.
EYE ON... Croatia, Guadeloupe, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Miss Croatia, unnoticed until “U DECIDE”, has plenty of sex appeal and looks great. She could be a surprise. Miss Guadeloupe is unquestionably among the best Caribbeans this year. She has beautiful skin, an accent to die for and superb poise. If Miss Bosnia impresses with her height and beauty, she also disappoints when it comes to vibrancy. If she wakes up in time, her chances will be considerably bigger.
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GROUP 4
MEXICO (9,22 – 12:1)
NICARAGUA (9,07 – 18:1)
URUGUAY (9,50 – 10:1)
VENEZUELA (9,54 – 4:1)
ENGLAND (9,07 – 15:1)
UNITED STATES (9,20 – 8:1)
CHINA (9,41 – 5:1)
MALAYSIA (8,40 – 40:1)
HONG KONG (8,27 – 33:1)
SINGAPORE (8,80 – 24:1)
DENMARK (9,29 – 18:1)
NORWAY (9,26 – 9:1)
STAND-OUTS: Venezuela, Uruguay, China, Denmark, Norway, Mexico, United States
Yes, it is a very strong group, with several possibilities. Count on mega favorites Venezuela and China in, both with a great chance to win. Venezuela is among the most beautiful and well prepared girls in the bunch, while China is amazingly regal. The hometown girl has presence and grace. Uruguay and Denmark, although absolutely stunning, lack in tradition (countries that dont usually make it in Miss World). Norway and the United States didn't have their best angles shown on ‘U DECIDE', but both have enough beauty and qualities to fight for the title. Mexico is a pleasant surprise. On video she looks much younger and refreshing than she does on photos. Mexico has been sending some amazing delegates to Miss World, but none has placed since 1996, which is very unfair.
EYE ON... England, Nicaragua. Nicaragua looked her best in the swimsuit competition. With her very laid back and relaxed personality, she could win over the judges. Amazing figure. Miss England is another beauty in the “girl-next-door” category whose charms and energy are contagious.
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GROUP 5
POLAND (9,36 – 10:1)
LITHUANIA (8,52 – 33:1)
SLOVAKIA (9,04 – 18:1)
CANADA (9,44 – 6:1)
IRELAND (9,60 – 3:1)
CYPRUS (8,39 – 50:1)
SRI LANKA (7,73 – 100:1)
FINLAND (7,94 – 66:1)
SWEDEN (9,18 – 14:1)
KENYA (8,28 – 50:1)
NIGERIA (8,66 – 28:1)
STAND-OUTS: Ireland, Canada, Poland
Miss Ireland has won a slot among semi-finalists for having the most amazing body; she has also won the votes and preference of 40 webmasters. The question is: will such favoritism hurt her chances? Hopefully not. If she wins, she will be one of the most breathtaking titleholders of all times. Miss Canada, also already a semi-finalist, has, besides her exotic looks, many stories to tell. Born in Iran, we are talking about a young woman who speaks many languages and could break many hearts. Major contender. Poland revealed a gorgeous face when the hair bangs were gone! Absolutely stunning and fashionable, this Polish beauty deserves to do well.
EYE ON... Sweden, Slovakia. Sweden looked so sexy on the U-DECIDE program, that all of a sudden she started being noticed by fans and press members. If the judges appreciate a “Baywatch” style babe, she could do extremely well. Slovakia has the looks, but seems shy in front of the cameras. How will she do when facing the judges?
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GROUP 6
HUNGARY (9,02 – 20:1)
SERBIA & MONTENGERO (9,28 – 13:1)
BULGARIA (8,40 – 40:1)
MACEDONIA (9,58 – 9:1)
ETHIOPIA (9,30 – 10:1)
LESOTHO (8,47 – 33:1)
COSTA RICA (8,33 – 50:1)
GIBRALTAR (8,79 – 24:1)
PARAGUAY (8,76 – 24:1)
PANAMA (8,88 – 22:1)
ZAMBIA (9,11 – 18:1)
ZIMBABWE (8,50 – 33:1)
STAND-OUTS: Macedonia, Ethiopia, Serbia & Montenegro
Miss Macedonia is already being compared to the Greek Goddess Evelina Papantoniou, 2nd place in Miss Universe 2001, for her sexy curves and fantastic stage presence. If her interview matches her other attributes, expect her to do very well. The first Miss Ethiopia to participate in Miss World has been a finalist in both the swimsuit and talent competitions. She is very exotic and beautiful, certainly an interesting choice for the crown. Serbia & Montenegro enters the “supermodel” category. Excellent figure and great catwalk.
EYE ON... Zambia, Hungary. Miss Zambia is one of 4 or 5 African delegates who will leave a very positive impression in this pageant. She has style and elegance. Beautiful Miss Hungary is a darkhorse whose interview could give her some extra edge to enter the top 20.
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GROUP 7
NORTHERN IRELAND (8,62 – 30:1)
RUSSIA (9,32 – 8:1)
TANZANIA (7,39 – 100:1)
ROMANIA (8,99 – 20:1)
ESTONIA (9,00 – 16:1)
LATVIA (7,99 – 80:1)
UKRAINE (9,38 – 12:1)
CZECH REPUBLIC (9,26 – 12:1)
UGANDA (9,41 – 12:1)
COLOMBIA (8,70 – 14:1)
CHILE (8,79 – 24:1)
KAZAKHSTAN (9,22 – 16:1)
STAND-OUTS: Uganda, Ukraine, Russia, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan
Uganda, if passed over the ‘sash factor', could become a finalist and even Queen of Africa. Beautiful girl. Even though Miss Ukraine usually wears more make up than she should, she's still one of the most interesting candidates around, the “femme fatale” type. We all know Miss Russia from Miss Universe and Miss International (2 nd runner-up in 2001). More experienced and sexier than ever, she is here to win and shall do well. Miss Czech Republic was 2 nd in the fitness contest and is looking fantastic. Will the Czech Republic finally have its moment of glory in Miss World? It's more than time for that to happen... Kazakhstan has a striking beauty with a smile that can easily light up Eurasia. A great surprise in the U DECIDE special, she could also surprise us all again on Saturday.
EYE ON... Estonia, Romania, Colombia. Estonia could get the judges' attention with her short hair. It's different, unusual and interesting. Miss Romania is a long shot, but with such beautiful smile and warm personality, some believe she could do really well. Colombia, even though not a press favorite, counts with the strongest lobby in the pageant. The Colombian organizers and Julia Morley are very good friends and the country usually fairs well in this competition.
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GROUP 8
ECUADOR (9,10 – 15:1)
PUERTO RICO (9,27 – 10:1)
GUATEMALA (8,01 – 80:1)
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (9,30 – 12:1)
BAHAMAS (8,72 – 20:1)
CAYMAN ISLANDS (7,73 – 66:1)
GUYANA (8,90 – 20:1)
BELIZE (8,64 – 28:1)
LEBANON (9,34 – 12:1)
MAURITIUS (8,81 – 22:1)
SWITZERLAND (9,57 – 7:1)
THAILAND (8,92 – 14:1)
STAND-OUTS: Switzerland, Lebanon, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico
Miss Switzerland has that perfect international look that when people look at her without a sash they could guess she is from the Caribbean, South America, Tahiti, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, India or Switzerland! Isn't that perfect for a ‘Miss World'? Lebanon looks more and more stunning as the final day of competition approaches. This Middle Eastern beauty will most likely impress the judges in her interview. Expect her to wear wear one of the most spectacular gowns of the year. Dominican Republic is a favorite in several betting agencies and has one of the most beautiful faces in the contest. Her talent presentation was one of the best. Puerto Rico has fashion written all over her and is one of the favorites to figure among the twenty semi-finalists.
EYE ON... Thailand, Guyana. Miss Thailand deserves the ‘energizer bunny award'. Those who saw the U-DECIDE special know what we are talking about!! Well, this girl is certainly full of life and energy! Guyana was a positive surprise. Her elegance and beautiful face should gain her some important points.
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GROUP 9
NAMIBIA (9,12 – 18:1)
SCOTLAND (9,16 – 16:1)
GREECE (9,00 – 18:1)
SWAZILAND (7,99 – 66:1)
SOUTH AFRICA (9,46 – 5:1)
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (9,40 – 10:1)
MOLDOVA (8,64 – 28:1)
HOLLAND (9,06 – 22:1)
BELARUS (9,10 – 16:1)
AUSTRALIA (8,97 – 16:1)
STAND-OUTS: South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, Scotland
We all know Miss South Africa from Miss Universe, where many believe she should have won the crown. If on the beach she did not look her best, on stage she can shine and finally win the Miss World crown for her country again. Miss Trinidad & Tobago was one of the greatest surprises from ‘U-DECIDE'. If she looks that good on the final night of competition, this Caribbean girl will rock! Scotland impresses for her natural beauty and spontaneity. Adorable, probably the British gal with the highest possibility to place.
EYE ON... Namibia, Belarus, Holland, Greece, Australia. Namibia is not only beautiful, she is also sassy, full of life. Belarus was a semi-finalist in Miss Europe last year and could do something good here as well. From some angles Miss Holland looks like her country's only Miss Universe, Angela Visser. Indeed a beautiful delegate. Greece is a big girl in all senses, with amazing presence and sex appeal. Australia has been loosing ground, she was a favorite for a while, but still a possibility.
Please remember that this is just an entertainment review based on each contestant's performance during the month of competition. MISS WORLD IS USUALLY UNPREDICTABLE. Best of luck to all!