SANYA - A beaming Zhang Zilin was busy plotting her travels round the globe Sunday after the Chinese beauty wowed the home crowd to become China's first-ever Miss World.

The statuesque 23-year-old pipped her rival finalists from Angola and Mexico to take the crown at the 57th edition of the beauty pageant -- which organizers said was watched by a global television audience of two billion people.

The model-thin Zhang, who nevertheless says her favorite foods are chocolate and ice cream, was the tallest of the 106 contestants at six feet -- and was standing even taller after Saturday's win.

"I'm the first Chinese to win the title and more importantly I won in my own country," said Zhang, resplendent in a sparkling, pale pink dress as she addressed the media on her first full day on the job as Miss World 2007.

"I'm very proud and surprised as well," she said in the Chinese resort of Sanya, which has hosted the annual gala of gloss and glitz for four of the past five years.

Zhang, who spoke in halting English during Saturday night's competition, used an interpreter yesterday -- something that may have to change during her year-long tour of duty.

Trips to the Caribbean , Europe and South Africa have already been pencilled in for Zhang, a former secretary who has pledged to use her title-holder's year to "dedicate my time to the rest of the world."

Organizers said her predecessor, Tatana Kucharova of the Czech Republic , took more than 180 flights around the globe while fulfilling the duties that come with the crown -- and the 100,000-dollar cash prize.

"There's a lot of work to be done," said Julia Morley, chairwoman of the Britain-based Miss World Organization which runs the pageant. "Being Miss World is a very serious obligation."

Contestants were rated on an array of measures including fitness, style and personality. Fashion designer Ben de Lisi, one of nine judges, said Zhang's "poise, elegance, natural beauty and charm" made her a natural for the title.

Micaela Reis of Angola was awarded second place and Carolina Moran Gordillo, Miss Mexico , took third. The leading choice of Britain 's bookmakers, Ada Aimee De La Cruz of the Dominican Republic , only made it as far as the last 16.

This year's competition took place on World AIDS Day, as organisers said they wanted to use the pageant to help raise awareness about the ongoing fight against the disease.

Former South African president Nelson Mandela's eldest daughter Maki served on the panel of nine judges. The leader's son Makgatho died of an AIDS-related illness in 2005.

Most of the contestants were headed home on Sunday night after what has been a busy month of rehearsals, publicity and charity events -- and just plain nerves.

"We've been here a month now. It's a long time to be away from home," said 23-year-old Romanthi Maria Colombage, Miss Sri Lanka. "I'm looking forward to leaving."*AFP

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