10/15 - Mexico wins Miss International title in Tokyo

Miss Mexico, Priscila Perales, was crowned Miss International 2007 at the Prince Park Tower, in Tokyo, Japan, earlier today. Priscila is the first Mexican to win this competition, and the 2nd to win a Grand Slam title (Lupita Jones, the first, became Miss Universe in 1991). Priscila had already competed in Miss Universe 2006, in Los Angeles, when she placed among the 10 semi-finalists.

In her speech, the new Miss International spoke about the importance and responsibility of mass communication in today's society, and promised to use her title on behalf of children in need.

The first runner-up was Miss Greece, Despina Vlepaki, and Belarus, a country which participated in Miss International for the first time, had the 2nd runner-up, stunning Yulia Sindzeyeva.

Completing the group of 15 semifinalists were the representatives of Chile, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Puerto Rico, Russia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Venezuela.

Press favorites from India and Brazil surprisingly did not make the cut.

Miss Hong Kong was picked as "Miss Friendship", Miss Aruba had the "Most Beautiful National Costume" and Miss Japan won the "Miss Photogenic" award.

A few beauty pageants' observers noted the following coincidence: earlier this year Miss Japan was crowned Miss Universe in Mexico. Now Miss Mexico is crowned Miss International in Japan!

VIEW ALL PHOTOS OF THIS YEAR'S MISS INTERNATIONAL FINAL (Mainichi)

Click here for complete results and photos

Congratulations to the beautiful new Miss International!

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10/14 - Special Article - Favorites and pageant preview

Miss International 2007 Photos published by Getty Images

Miss Japan wins Photogenic Title and Press Conference (Mainichi)