Mantilla Garcia, a 20-year-old brunette, beat Claudia Julissa Cruz-Rodriguez, 18, from the Dominican Republic and Nancy Randall, 24, from the United States to take the crown.



"I am so happy and surprised, it is one of the few things I have always wanted," Mantilla Garcia told reporters. Mantilla Garcia's win came as something of a suprise as she was not one of the five contestants earlier chosen to be finalists after winning various competitions in the past weeks. "I was surprised, yes, very surprised but am very happy too," she said. Asked what her plans were for the next year, the new Miss World, who was wearing a low-cut peacock blue evening dress, said she wanted to be involved in charity works and to learn more English."Sorry I can't speak much English, I need to learn more," she said. Mantilla Garcia was crowned by the reigning champion, 2003's Miss Ireland Rosanna Davison, daughter of "Lady in Red" pop crooner Chris de Burgh. The newly crowned Miss World earned 100,000 US dollars in prize money and as part of her contract obligation will go on to perform a variety of duties largely focused on fundraising for charitable organisations. Mantilla Garcia was born in Trujillo on the north coast of Peru. She is studying to become a high school teacher, but said she is also considering a career in tourism. Cheers at the packed 3,000-seat venue were loudest for Miss China, who did not make it into the finals. This year's contest, held in the resort town of Sanya in the tropical island province of Hainan, saw 107 beauty queens parade their looks and talents at the Beauty Crown Theatre. US star Lionel Richie was the most high-profile celebrity to take part in the beauty pageant, singing his hits "Hello" and "Say you, say me". For the first time, Miss World hopefuls had to use their charms and youthful beauty to impress millions of television viewers worldwide who picked the winner via telephone, SMS text and Internet voting. Previously the winner was chosen by a panel of judges. Miss World organiser Julia Morley announced Friday that the 55th contest next year would return to the beach resort for the third consecutive year, following the controversy and sectarian violence that marred the 2002 event in Nigeria.

Mantilla Garcia, a 20-year-old brunette, beat Claudia Julissa Cruz-Rodriguez, 18, from the Dominican Republic and Nancy Randall, 24, from the United States to take the crown.



"I am so happy and surprised, it is one of the few things I have always wanted," Mantilla Garcia told reporters. Mantilla Garcia's win came as something of a suprise as she was not one of the five contestants earlier chosen to be finalists after winning various competitions in the past weeks. "I was surprised, yes, very surprised but am very happy too," she said. Asked what her plans were for the next year, the new Miss World, who was wearing a low-cut peacock blue evening dress, said she wanted to be involved in charity works and to learn more English."Sorry I can't speak much English, I need to learn more," she said. Mantilla Garcia was crowned by the reigning champion, 2003's Miss Ireland Rosanna Davison, daughter of "Lady in Red" pop crooner Chris de Burgh. The newly crowned Miss World earned 100,000 US dollars in prize money and as part of her contract obligation will go on to perform a variety of duties largely focused on fundraising for charitable organisations. Mantilla Garcia was born in Trujillo on the north coast of Peru. She is studying to become a high school teacher, but said she is also considering a career in tourism. Cheers at the packed 3,000-seat venue were loudest for Miss China, who did not make it into the finals. This year's contest, held in the resort town of Sanya in the tropical island province of Hainan, saw 107 beauty queens parade their looks and talents at the Beauty Crown Theatre. US star Lionel Richie was the most high-profile celebrity to take part in the beauty pageant, singing his hits "Hello" and "Say you, say me". For the first time, Miss World hopefuls had to use their charms and youthful beauty to impress millions of television viewers worldwide who picked the winner via telephone, SMS text and Internet voting. Previously the winner was chosen by a panel of judges. Miss World organiser Julia Morley announced Friday that the 55th contest next year would return to the beach resort for the third consecutive year, following the controversy and sectarian violence that marred the 2002 event in Nigeria.