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Miss World winners Karolina Bielawska (left) and Krystyna Pyszkova. Image: Armin P. Adina/INQUIRER.net
Filipino pageant fans are getting anxious after Philippine bet Krishnah Gravidez failed to cop any win in a “fast-track” event in the ongoing 72nd Miss World Festival in India.
But avid pageant followers should also note that the two recent winners did not top any of the preliminary competitions during their respective editions of the international pageant.
The fast-track events are various competitions whose winners earn guaranteed slots in the quarterfinals, announced during the coronation ceremonies.
Reigning queen Krystyna Pyszkova from the Czech Republic was only in the Top 20 of the “Top Model” contest, and in the Top 10 of “Beauty with a Purpose.”
The creator of the outfit she wore to the Top Model contest, however, was recognized as the best designer during the event.
Pyszkova’s predecessor, Polish beauty queen Karolina Bielawska, was shortlisted in only one fast-track event. She was in the Top 13 of the Top Model contest.
But even if the two blonde European beauties were not able to snag any fast-track victory, in the end they received the most important prize of the entire competition, the “blue crown.”
Last year’s Filipino contender, Gwendolyne Fourniol, was shortlisted in more fast-track events than both Bielawska and Pyszkova, but she still failed to advance to the quarterfinals.
So far, Gravidez has made it to the Top 32 of the Sports Challenge, the Top 24 of the Talent Challenge, and the Top 20 of thera Multimedia Challenge.
Sixteen slots in the Top 40 had already been filled up by the winners of the fast-track events from the four continental groups.
More than 100 delegates from around the world are competing to succeed Pyszkova. The winner will be crowned at the culmination of the Miss World coronation ceremonies at the Hyderabad International Convention and Exhibition Center (Hitex) in Hyderabad on May 31. /ra