Maria Julia (L) from Peru is crowned Miss World 2004 at the final of the 54th Miss World Competition held in Sanya, China¡¯s southernmost Province of Hainan Dec. 4, 2004. Contestants from 107 countries and regions, including three from Chinese mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong took part in the competition. (Xinhua photo)

Maria Julia Mantille Garcia from Peru, Champion of the 54th Miss World Competition, pose a picture with the runner-up Claudia Julissa Cruz Rodriguez from Dominica and the third-prize winner Nancy Randall from the US in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province on Dec. 4, 2004. (Xinhua Photo)

Contestants model swimwear during the 54th Miss World Final 2004 in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Dec. 4 2004. (Xinhua Photo)

    SANYA, Hainan Province, Dec. 4 (Xinhuanet) -- Miss Peru, Maria Julia Mantilla-Garcia, 20, was crowned Miss World 2004 in this scenic beach city in China's southernmost Hainan Province on Saturday night.

    Claudia Julissa Cruz Rodriguez, Miss Dominican Republic, and Nancy Randoll, Miss USA, gained the second and third places at thefinal contest.

    Girls from 107 nations and regions participated in the pageant,held for the second consecutive year in Sanya. The pageant attracted roughly 2.5 billion viewers around the world, said JuliaMorley, president of the organization that sponsors the event.

    The 55th pageant will also be in the city next year, she said.

    The active support of the city government, the hospitality of the local people, the nice scenery and fine hotel facilities in Sanya are major factors behind the organization's decision, Morleysaid.

    Mayor Chen Chi of the city hoped Sanya's reputation as an idealplace for holiday makers could be made known to more people of theworld via hosting more international events such as Miss World beauty pageant.

    The Miss World Competition was launched in 1951 in London as part of the New Year celebrations in Britain. Currently, the themeof the event is to promote world peace, build up an image of outstanding women and help children suffering from hunger. Enditem