MEXICO CITY - Japanese model Riyo Mori was crowned Miss Universe 2007 at a global beauty contest here yesterday, defeating 77 other candidates from around the world.

Anna Theresa Licaros, 22, from the Philippines, was chosen Miss Photogenic

Mori, 20, clasped her hands and trembled with joy as she received the crown from last year's winner, Zuleyka Rivera of Puerto Rico.

"I'm really happy, I cannot believe it yet," said Mori, whose ambition is to open an international dance school in Tokyo.

As winner of the Miss Universe contest, Mori is given an apartment in New York which she may use for one year, an undisclosed salary, a complete wardrobe including a luxury watch and a scholarship for two years of film study in New York.

Mori is the second Japanese woman to win the Miss Universe pageant, after Akiko Kojima in 1959.

In the days leading up to the final selection, Miss USA Rachel Smith endured boos from the public because of her country's attitude toward Mexicans living there.

Smith, who slipped and fell during the evening gown competition, came in fifth place.

Second place went to Natalia Guimaraes, 22, from Brazil. The second runner-up was Ly Jonaitis, 21, from Venezuela.

Ningning Zhang from China, 20, won the Miss Congeniality award.

US real estate magnate Donald Trump rented Mexico City's National Auditorium for the contest.

Miss Mexico was also the subject of controversy over her required regional dress which depicted a late 1920s religious rebellion, complete with scenes of the rebels being hanged.

On Wednesday, a jury selected the 15 finalists, who paraded in cocktail dresses, gowns and bathing suits.*AFP

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