The 2004 Miss World pageant got off to a sizzling start on Sunday with contestants from 120 countries.

The event started with the Beach Beauty final in which Miss United States, Nancy Randall, took the coveted laurels, fast-tracking her to the finals.

The girls paraded on the white sand in the Beach Beauty Final, which was held in Sanya, a picturesque tropical city in southern Chinese province of Hainan.

In sweltering heat of more than 32 degrees, the girls paraded in swimsuits designed by former Miss World Wilnelia Forsyth, the organizrs said.

Randall took the honour, while Miss Australia Sara Janette Davies came second and Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Kenisha Nalisha Finta Thom, came third.

"I am so excited; I am just stunned, I work on my body and try to maintain a good physique so this is fantastic. There are so many kinds of beauty and physical appearance here. To win this award is such an honor. The best part though is now I am in the final of Miss World that means my mother can watch me at home," Randall said.

The beachwear final marks the start of the public vote and shows the competition for Miss World 2004 is truly underway.

According to internet polls, Bhagat has emerged as a hot favourite to win the Miss World 2004 crown.

(China Daily November 15, 2004)