MEXICO CITY (AP) -- A 20-year-old dancer from Japan, who wants to someday open an international dance school, was crowned Monday night as Miss Universe 2007.

Riyo Mori nervously grabbed the hands of first runner-up, Natalia Guimaraes of Brazil, just before the winner was announced.

She was trembling in awe as the diamond-and pearl-studded crown was placed on her head.

Miss USA Rachel Smith, whose chances may have been dimmed when she slipped and fell to the floor during the evening gown competition, was the contest's fourth runner-up.

Also finishing in the top five were second runner-up Ly Jonaitis of Venezuela and third runner-up Honey Lee of Korea.

The winner travels the world for a year on behalf of charities and pageant sponsors.

Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza of Puerto Rico crowned her successor at the end of the two-hour telecast with the headpiece valued at $250,000.

Is this article useful to you?