| NHA TRANG, Vietnam -- Miss Venezuela was
crowned Miss Universe 2008 on Monday in a contest marked by the spectacle of
Miss USA falling down during the evening gown competition for the second year in
a row.
An elated Dayana Mendoza received the crown from her predecessor, Riyo Mori
of Japan, and then prepared to meet a gaggle of reporters. Miss Venezuela, 22,
was once kidnapped in her homeland and says the experience taught her to remain
poised under pressure.
Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela (R) reacts after being announced Miss Universe
2008 during the annual pageant held this year in central Vietnam's resort city
of Nha Trang July 14, 2008. Taliana Vargas of Columbia (L) was the first
runner-up. [Agencies]
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