Drama at Miss Universe

News24, 16/05/2003 23:10  - (SA)   Sonette Lombaard

Johannesburg - The Miss Universe competition in Panama is starting on a bizarre note. Minutes after arriving in Panama City, one of the beauties was quarantined for a deadly virus and another's first princess had to be called in because the title holder had posed topless for the Russian edition of Playboy.

And to 'crown' it all, Miss Venezuela is still cooling her heels at home, because the organisers in her country cannot pay her entry fee as a result of her country's limits on buying American dollars.

Venezuela, known as the beauty capital of the world, holds the record, 12, for the most titles won in the Miss Universe and Miss World competitions.

Miss Canada, Leanne Marie Cecile, found out that beauty has a price, because she was placed in medical detention as a precaution against severe acute respiratory syndrome shortly after her arrival in Panama City on Thursday.

The beauties from China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan, where Sars has already claimed numerous lives, were all taken away to be examined by Sars specialists upon their arrival.

These measures form part of special arrangements made to prevent Sars from infiltrating Panama. The 74 competitors had to submit medical certificates saying they didn't have Sars before they were allowed to take part.

If one of the participants show Sars symptoms upon arrival, they will be escorted to a special clinic and they will not be allowed to take part in the competition.

A Russian beauty caused drama the second year running when she was stripped of her title.

It came to light that Maria Smirnowa appeared topless in the Russian edition of Playboy in January 2000. The new Miss Russia is Olesya Bondarenko.

Miss Russia 2002, who became the first Russian to be crowned Miss Universe last year, also became the first title holder to be "disqualified" four months after the ceremony.

Oxana Fedorowa, 24, a member of the St Petersburg police force, was "sacked" because she neglected her duties.

The runner-up, Justine Pasek of Panama, was subsequently crowned Miss Universe and will hand over her crown to the new Miss Universe in her hometown on June 3.