VietNamNet Bridge – Five hundred million people around the world last night saw Russian Victoria Radochinskaya, 28, win the Mrs World contest in Vung Tau City.

First runner-up was Mrs America Andrea Robertson, a professional model. Mrs Viet Nam, businesswoman Hoang Thi Yen, was second.

Victoria, who works in advertising, defeated the US and Vietnamese favourites in Vung Tau City to became the 15th winner of the crown since the contest started in 1985.

The lovely Russian was selected from three finalists narrowed down from a field of 12. Seventy-six women from 75 countries and territories earlier took part in the contest.

Mrs Hongkong Chen Yijuan was declared Mrs World Traditional Dress 2009 and Mrs Ivory Coast Marie Carine Davison won Mrs World Ao Dai.

Victoria was ecstatic when receiving the jewell-studded crown from Ukrainian Natalya Shmarenkova, who won the Mrs World Pageant last year in Kaliningrad, Russia.

In questions deciding the winner, Victoria was asked why a judge should vote for her.

Mrs Viet Nam Hoang Thi Yen, replied that she would like to change the concept that woman should stay at home and do housework. However, her reply in English was apparently not clear enough for the judge.

Contestants have been visiting historical sites and schools for disabled students, taking part in cultural and sporting activities.

They all said they were moved by the hearty welcome they received from Vietnamese people.

The evening was conducted by American Alan Thicke and Miss World Viet Nam 2007, Ngo Phuong Lan. The Mrs World 2010 contest will be held in Seoul, South Korea.

Mrs. World 2008 and Mrs. World 2009, both from Russia.

From the left: Mrs. World 2007 Diane Tucker (American), Mrs. World 2009 and Mrs. World 2008.

Mrs. World 2009 and the second runner-up - Hoang Thi Yen (Vietnam).

The first runner-up, Mrs. USA and her family.

Mrs. Kazakhstan and her son.

VietNamNet/VNS/VNE