Beauties leave VIP guests speechless

UNIVERSITY graduate Anne Heung Hoi-lan, 23, was crowned Miss Hong Kong last night after three hours of questions, dance routines, costume changes and posing in swimsuits.

Jessie Chiu Chui-yi, 23, was named first runner-up and Natalie Ng Man-yan, 23, second runner-up. Both are university graduates.

Guests of honour at the 26th annual pageant included President Bill Clinton, actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Premier Zhu Rongji. But they all remained impassive while the contestants were interviewed during the personality section - because they were just cardboard stand-ins.

Even a cardboard version of former Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten appeared at the competition, held at the new Chek Lap Kok airport terminal.

Pink bikini-clad contestants were asked to think of something intelligent to say while standing next to the paper cut-outs.

One said she would tell Mr Zhu she was his long-lost sister. Another, asked who she would recommend to Titanic star DiCaprio if he were in Hong Kong looking for a leading lady, nominated herself.