1 billion watch finale of pageant

MISS Venezuela, Dayana Mendoza, has been crowned Miss Universe 2008 in Vietnam’s resort city of Nha Trang.

The 22-year-old was given her crown, made of white and yellow gold and precious stones, by last year’s winner Riyo Mori of Japan at the pageant finale watched by nearly a billion television viewers worldwide.

“I am excited. I cried a lot. I am really glad I made it,” said Mendoza, the 57th winner of the title.