Spanish beauty queen claims crown at Miss World pageant

Spanish model Mireia Lalaguna was crowned Miss World 2015 after beating out 113 contestants from across the globe on Dec. 19 night at a coastal resort city in south China's Hainan Province.

The pharmacy student from Barcelona claimed the illustrious crown after winning over the contest's judges during the 65th edition of the world famous pageant in China's Sanya.

"Without the love I have received from all of the people I have met here, and from all of the people wishing me well and supporting me at home, I would never have gotten to this point," said the beauty queen, according to a statement released by the event's organizers.

"I want to show them and the world that I am deserving of the Miss World title and I hope to do everyone proud."

The pageant's second place was awarded to Russia's Sofia Nikitchuk, while third place went to Indonesia's Maria Harfanti.

However, the ceremony was not without controversy. Officials in Hong Kong last month stopped Miss Canada, Anastasia Lin, from boarding a plane bound for Sanya, telling her she would not receive a visa.

The 25-year old actress claimed the decision was due to her stance on China's human rights record, including its persecution of Falun Gong, a Chinese spiritual group of which she is a practitioner.

In Photos: US defense chief visits ?ncirlik base as part of tour to boost regional support against ISIL

In photos: Turkey commemorates Rumi with 'Night of Union' ceremony in Konya

In Photos: Ta?yaran Valley in Aegean region to become nature park

Halfeti - A town of mesmerizing beauty

Exhibition shows Istanbul through eyes of children

Secret weapons of Turkish army: locally produced rocket launchers, missile systems

The bugs of...