Natalie Glebova of Canada holds her crown after being named Miss Universe 2005 in Bangkok, May 31, 2005. (Reuters photo)

Miss Canada Natalie Glebova was crowned Miss Universe 2005 on Tuesday in Bangkok at the 54th annual Miss Universe pageant broadcast live worldwide.

She was followed by the first runner-up Miss Ruerto Rico and the second runner-up Miss Dominican Republic Renata Sone.

When asked about what is the biggest challenge in her life, the 23-year-old Toronto beauty said it was to always maintain a positive outlook on life.

The 12-judge panel chose beauties from Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Canada for the final round. Earlier, the panel narrowed the field of 81 contestants to 15, then 10 as the contestants modeled evening gowns and swimsuits.

Thailand hopes that hosting the pageant will boost the country's tourism, which was severely ravaged by last December's tsunami.

The contestants, who arrived in Thailand about three weeks ago, have visited tsunami-struck areas along the southern coastline and historic Buddhist temples around Bangkok.

The final competition was watched by an estimated one billion people around the globe. Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra delayed his weekly cabinet meeting to attend the pageant.

Source: Xinhua