EARLY frontrunner Sanya Hughes took the Miss Jamaica Universe crown at Sunday night’s grand coronation in a close contest that was as nerve-wracking as it was entertaining.

Hughes just managed to outscore favourite Violet Chang, who placed second, from a field of some of the most qualified and eloquent contestants in years.

Wearing an elegant white evening gown by Uzuri International, Hughes charmed the audience, getting loud cheers from her supporters, as well as persons who came in undecided, but were won over.

In the always unnerving interview, conducted by compere Paula-Anne Porter, the 19-year-old Hughes stumbled when she said her inner beauty came from her “compassionateness”, rather than ‘compassion’. The gaffe lost her some support, but she had racked up enough points in the earlier judging to come out on top.

Hughes also swept the sectional prizes, taking home honours for Best Legs, Best Figure and Most Aware.

Second runner-up was Kayann Sunarth, Miss Jamaica (World) 2000, while Ayisha Richards, who also copped the prize for Best Smile; Olivia-Leigh Campbell and Tanisa Samuel made up the top six. Chang was named the contestant with the Best Hair, while Rachael Ryan was selected as the Most Congenial.

The show, presented by Pulse Investments Group, went smoothly for the most part, with an exciting opening featuring the contestants, who entered the Hilton Kingston Hotel ballroom from the audience, wearing Uzuri International outfits and doing a routine to the popular Lady Marmalade.

Cabaret singer A J Brown was his usual high-energy self, giving a solid performance. Newcomer Shawn, who first gained attention when she emerged the winner of the Diva Star Search competition, also performed, but received lukewarm response as the audience was more interested in seeing their favourite girls.

Miss Jamaica Universe 2002 takes home more than $2 million in prizes, including $1 million cash from Pulse, an all-expenses paid trip to the Miss Universe finals in Puerto Rico scheduled for May 29, two tickets to London, a weekend for two at Beaches Grande Sport and a winner’s wardrobe valued at $200,000.

Prizes for the top six finalists include weekends at Breezes Golf and Beach Resort, Sandals Montego Bay, Wyndham Rose Hall and Couples Ocho Rios, modelling contracts for up to $50,000, gift baskets and cash from sponsors.