Miss Japan crowned Miss Universe

MEXICO CITY, May 29 (UPI) -- Miss Japan, Riyo Mori, a dancer, was crowned Miss Universe 2007 during the international competition in Mexico City.

Natalia Guimaraes of Brazil was selected first runner-up in Monday's competition Sunday. Second runner-up was Miss Venezuela, Ly Jonaitis.

Rounding out the five finalists were Miss Korea, Honey Lee; and Miss USA, Rachel Smith, who slipped and fell during the competition.

Mori said her ambition is to open her own dance studio in Tokyo. A dancer since she was 4, the newly crowned Miss Universe said she and her mother "plan to expand my family's love for the performing arts by opening an international dance school in Tokyo, the capital of Japan and a crossroads for many cultures."

Opening her own school, Mori said, "will allow me to live and teach my passion for dancing while being an independent businesswoman.

As Miss Universe, Mori, 20, will receive among other things, clothing, shows, jewelry, scholarship funds and an advertising contract, the organization said in a news release. In addition, she will receive an apartment in New York during the year of her reign.