Miss World showdown in London in shadow of murder

Some 121 contestants from Albania to Zimbabwe are taking part in the pageant, but there will be no representative from Honduras following the fatal shooting of finalist Maria Jose Alvarado. The bodies of the 19-year-old national title-holder and her 23-year-old sister Sofia Trinidad were found buried on a remote riverbank near the northwestern city of Santa Barbara on the day Maria Jose was due to fly to London, according to Channel NewsAsia Tears were shed when the Miss World contestants attended a special remembrance service in London. They held candles and said prayers in their own languages in front of a framed photograph of Alvarado. "We are devastated by this terrible loss of two young women, who were so full of life," said Miss World chairwoman Julia Morley. The new Miss World will travel to crime-plagued Honduras to build a school in their hometown that will be named in their honour, the contest's organisers announced. Police in Honduras accuse Sofia's boyfriend of shooting the sisters in a fit of jealousy after seeing Sofia dancing with another man at a party. Three other people have appeared in court alongside him for allegedly helping him bury the bodies. 'BEAUTY WITH A PURPOSE' While beauty has always been at the heart of the event, brains, skills and commitment to good causes also play a role. Contestants have to present their "Beauty With a Purpose" projects to the judges. Miss Serbia has been coaching a disabled volleyball team, while Miss India founded an organisation which teaches slum children the importance of washing their hands. Miss Bolivia has been helping to improve the lives of children living in prison with their jailed parents, bringing them books, other learning materials and even puppies to help them learn how to care for another living thing. The contestants have already been put through their paces on the fitness front, with Miss Finland coming out on top of a test that included a tug of war. Last year's final was won by Miss Philippines Megan Young. It was held in Bali in Indonesia after switching from the capital Jakarta following protests by Muslim hardliners. Miss World began in 1951, a year before its chief rival Miss Universe. Former Miss World contestants include Oscar-winning US actress Halle Berry, a 1986 finalist, and 1994 winner Aishwarya Rai, the Indian movie star. Twelve have appeared in James Bond films.