SANYA (China), Dec 10: Miss Iceland Unnur Birna Vilhjalmsdottir was crowned the surprise winner of the Miss World contest in a lavish ceremony watched live by millions across the globe on Saturday.

The 21-year-old Reykjavik student, daughter of Miss Iceland in 1983, expressed delight and astonishment at beating out a field of 102 women from around the world.

The green-eyed brunette will serve as a goodwill ambassador and charity fund-raiser for children’s causes throughout next year and is likely to profit from a host of modelling and acting contracts.

“It was wonderful, so wonderful. It has been an amazing night,” the 1.73 metre Vilhjalmsdottir said.

“I did not think that I would win, it was a big surprise.”

Runner-up was Miss Mexico Dafne Molina Lona, representing the Americas, while the third place title went to Miss Puerto Rico Ingrid Marie Rivera Santos, representing the Caribbean zone.

Miss Philippines Carlene Aguillar had been the bookmakers’ favourite.

Miss Vilhjalmsdottir is a student from Reykjavik who has interned as a policewoman during her summer holidays while studying courses in anthropology and aspiring towards a career in law.

Winning the coveted title is likely to change her life, as she embarks on a rigorous year of charity appearances and advocating humanitarian causes.

“In the coming year I want to do just as much as I can to help. I would love to do what I can do for charity and for the children of the world,” she said.

“I want to thank all the other girls. Thank you for the wonderful five weeks here in Sanya, China, it has just been so wonderful. I made a lot of friends here who will stay my friends forever.”

Vilhjalmsdottir beat finalists from six zones, including Miss Italy Sofia Bruscoli, awarded the title of Miss South Europe, Miss Tanzania Nancy Abraham Sumary, who was named Miss Africa and Miss Korea Eun-Young Oh, who was crowned Miss Asia Pacific.—AFP