Japanese entrant crowned Miss Universe

Japanese model Riyo Mori has been crowned Miss Universe 2007, defeating 77 other candidates from around the world.

Second place went to Natalia Guimaraes, 22, from Brazil, and 21-year-old Ly Jonaitis from Venezuela.

Ningning Zhang, 20, from China won the Miss Congeniality award, while 22-year-old Anna Theresa Licaros from the Philippines was chosen as Miss Photogenic.

Ms Mori, 20, is the 56th winner of the title and was given her $305,000 diamond and pearl tiara by last year's winner, Zuleyka Rivera of Puerto Rico.

The competition was watched by a live audience of 10,000 and some 600 million television viewers worldwide.

During the evening gown parade Miss USA, Rachel Smith, slipped on the runway and landed on her bottom, although the slip did not stop her earning fifth place.

This year's contest was marked by controversy, with a handful of Mexicans booing Ms Smith in the run-up to the finals because of what they saw as US unfriendliness toward illegal immigrants.

Miss Sweden Isabel Lestapier Winqvist unexpectedly pulled out of the event because of complaints in her country that it degrades women.

In another hitch Miss Mexico was made to change her outfit for the regional dress contest after her original dress, decorated with brutal images of rebels in a 1920s religious uprising being hanged or shot, drew accusations of poor taste.

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

Australian entrant

The mother of Australia's Miss Universe entrant says she is not disappointed that her daughter failed to win the title.

Kimberley Busteed from Gladstone in central Queensland failed to reach the final 15.

The 18-year-old was criticised for wearing a lifesaver's uniform in the national costume section.

Denice Busteed says her daughter was pleased just to be able to represent Australia.

"She went over there not expecting anything. It would have been nice, but you know, it's all been just wonderful," she said.

"It's just been a great, great experience for an 18-year-old girl to have. We couldn't be more proud of her or more excited."