Entertainment

Canadian takes Miss Universe crown

Natalie Glebova of Canada models in swimwear during the Miss Universe 2005 pageant in Bangkok, May 31. Glebova was crowned Miss Universe 2005 in Bangkok on Tuesday at the climax of a beauty pageant that once again managed to stumble into controversy with religious conservatives. - Reuters

BANGKOK, THAILAND (AP)

CANADA'S ENTRY FOR this year's Miss Universe contest, Natalie Glebova, carried off the winner's tiara in Bangkok Tuesday, narrowly beating a strong contingent from beauty pageant-crazy Latin America.

The blue-eyed 23-year-old brunette from Toronto, who emigrated from Russia just 11 years ago, was considered a favourite, but appeared surprised after judges picked her over runner-up Cynthia Olavarria of Puerto Rico.

Too unreal

"I feel like this is happening too fast and it's unreal," Glebova, wearing a long white dress, told reporters after she was crowned. "It's just starting to sink in."

The motivational speaker, who inherits the title from Australia's Jennifer Hawkins, said she would spend the next year trying to raise awareness and money for the battle against AIDS.

Eighty-one women took part, turning out before 7 a.m. Tuesday so the glitzy event could be broadcast live Monday evening in the Americas.

Coming in third was Renata Sone of the Dominican Republic, followed by Laura Elizondo of Mexico and Monica Spear of Venezuela. Jamaica's Raquel Wright did not place in the finals.