South Africa Set For Third Miss World Title

In just a few days’ time Megan Young will be handing over her crown to the new Miss World 2014.

Miss South Africa is the one to beat ahead of the finale in London on Sunday. Rolene Strauss, a 22-year-old medical studies student, is the firm favourite to win at 2/1.

Anastasia Kostenko is taking on the task of representing Russia in the pageant and is Miss South Africa’s main rival at 8/1. Miss Australia, Courtney Thorpe, and Miss India, Koyal Rana, are contending for third place in the betting with both of the lovely ladies on offer at 10/1.

France last had a Miss World winner in 1953 but this year’s candidate, Flora Coquerel, could end the long wait for a French winner at 12/1. The United States has won the pageant three times, most recently in 2010, and with this year’s entry Elizabeth Safrit priced at 14/1 they could be set for their fourth title. Also on offer at 14/1 are Miss Brazil, Julia Gama, and Miss Hungary, Edina Kulcsár.

With the event taking place in England the pressure is on for Miss England, Carina Tyrrell, to make sure the crown does not slip through her fingers and she can be backed at 25/1. Jessica Hayes is this year’s Miss Ireland but she will have her work cut out for her as she is 66/1 to take the crown back to the Emerald Isle. Northern Ireland’s Rebekah Shirley could be in with a shot at claiming the crown at 33/1.