Miss Jamaica Zahra Redwood - reuters

Miss Jamaica Universe 2007 Zahra Redwood is now ranked 19th in the bid to capture the Miss Universe title.

The ranking, which appears on globalbeauties.com's 'Starting Grid' is an improvement over last week's 22nd ranking.

The grid lists the beauties who are in the most favourable positions for gaining the coveted title. There are 77 contestants in this year's pageant.

In yesterday's (Wednesday) update, Spain's Natalia Zabala Arroyo, now ranked at number 2, was overtaken for first position by Greece's Doukissa Nomikou.

Venezuela's Ly Jonaitis is still ranked at number 3, with Japan's Riyo Mori at 4th and Tanzania's Flaviana Matala at 5th position. It is Japan's first time in the top 5 of the Starting Grid this year.

Zahra and Tanzania's Flaviana Matala have garnered a lot of attention for their unconventional looks at the beauty pageant. While Zahra is the first Rastafarian contender, Flaviana is bald-headed. Both are black women from developing countries. Both reportedly get great crowd reactions during public appearances.

The Miss Universe pageant will be held May 28 in Mexico.

The Starting Grid:

1.Greece

2. Spain

3. Venezuela

4. Japan

5. Tanzania

6. USA

7. Mexico

8. Slovenia

9. Serbia

10. Estonia

11. Paraguay

12. Italy

13. South Africa

14. India and Korea (tie)

16. Brazil

18. Bolivia and Russia (tie)

19. Jamaica

20. Ukraine

21. Peru

22. Angola

- A.R.