Sanya: Miss Ireland, 19-year-old Rosanna Davison, won the Miss World competition held today (Dec 6, 2003) in this Southern Chinese beach resort.

Miss India Ami Vashi could not make it to the three finalists, but she was among the top five.

Second place went to Miss Canada Nazanin Afshin-Jam, while the host country's Miss China Guan Qi took third.

Given 30 seconds to describe herself, Davison said she was a "warm, fun-loving person'' who values honesty and integrity. She has taken a break from college to represent Ireland.

Her father, singer Chris De Burgh - best known for the hit 'Lady in Red' - said backstage, "I'm absolutely thrilled, I'm seriously proud of her.''

Agencies