Venezuelan crowned Miss Intercontinental 2009 in Minsk pageant

Venezuela’s Hannelly Quintero won the Miss Intercontinental 2009 title in a beauty contest that was held in Minsk on September 27, BelaPAN said.

The 21-year-old received a jewel-studded crown and $35,000 in prize money.

Maryya Yesman of Belarus was named the first runner-up, while Puerto Rico’s Rosana Padro was the second runner-up and Poland’s Anna Tarnowska the third runner-up. Curacao’s Keyla Richards was named the fourth runner-up.

The 20-year-old Belarusian also won the titles of Miss Intercontinental Europe and Miss Congeniality.

Ms. Yesman, who studies for a law degree at Belarusian State University, received a necklace studded with emeralds grown artificially by the Belarusian National Academy of Sciences.

This year’s edition of the beauty pageant, organized by the World Beauty Organization and Belarus’ ONT television channel, featured a record high of 56 contestants.

The show was attended by Alyaksandr Lukashenka and a number of other top government officials.

More photos.