Miss Japan, Riyo Mori, became the new Miss Universe late Monday, at a gala held in Mexico City's National Auditorium in Mexico.

Mori received the crown adorned with 800 diamonds and 120 pearls -valued at 250,000 dollars - from Miss Universe 2006, the Puerto Rican Zuleyka Rivera, watched by a live audience of 10,000 and some 600 million television viewers worldwide.

"My mind went blank," she said of the winning moment.

Among many other benefits, Mori is to receive a year-long salary, the use of a New York City apartment during her reign and a personal wardrobe, as well as a two-year scholarship from The NY Film Academy valued at up to 100,000 dollars.

Riyo has studied at Quinte Ballet School of Canada and also is a graduate of Centennial Secondary School in Belleville, Ontario, Canada.

Miss Brazil, Natalie Guimares, was the first runner-up, while another Latin American, the Venezuelan Ly Jonaitis, took third place. Miss Korea, Honey Lee, was the third runner-up. Miss USA Rachel Smith, whose chances may have been dimmed when she slipped and fell to the floor during the evening gown competition, was the contest's fourth runner-up.

The Chinese Ningning Zhang was chosen Miss Congeniality, and the Filipino Anna Theresa Licaros became Miss Photogenic.