Mexico's Vanessa crowned Miss World

Vanessa Ponce was crowned as the winner of Miss World 2018 on Saturday night.

She represented Mexico at the pageant and battled out 117 other contestants in the contest to claim the title of Miss World. She was crowned by outgoing queen Manushi Chhillar from India. The first runner-up title went to Thailand's representative.

"I can't believe it, I really can't believe it... And I think all the girls deserved it. I am proud to represent all of them. I will do as much as I can in the time I have got. Thank you so much, everyone," Vanessa said backstage after winning the crown at the Sanya City Arena in China.

The 26-year-old smiled away with moist eyes as she took a walk as the newly-crowned beauty queen, waving at the crowd and wrapped up the evening with a celebratory dance with co-contestants.

Having pursued a degree in International Business, Vanessa, is currently on the board of directors of a rehab centre for girls and volunteers for 'Migrantes en el Camino'. She is a speaker for the National Youth Institute as well as working as a model and a presenter.

An adventurous soul, she has qualified as an open water scuba diver, and also enjoys playing volleyball, painting and ultimate Frisbee, according to the official Miss World website.

Thailand's representative Nicolene Pichapa Limsnukan, 20, got the runner-up spot. Others in the top 5 included contestants from Belarus, Jamaica and Uganda.

A total of 118 contestants participated in the contest this year.

Bangladeshi girl Jannatul Ferdous Oishi made it to the list of 20 best beauties for the 68th edition of the 'Miss World' competition.