The mainland's first pageant for 'man-made beauties' is having trouble attracting contestants, forcing organisers to seek help from plastic surgeons to recruit competitors. Since enrolment began last Thursday, just three applications had been received, along with certificates from the hospitals where the surgery was performed, said Zhao Chaofeng , a spokesman for the pageant committee. Another 15 applicants, some from South Korea, have expressed interest. The Artificial Beauty Pageant, expected to be held on July 25, is the first of its kind on the mainland. The contest is open to beauties polished by plastic surgeons anywhere in the world. A minimum of 50 contestants are required for the show to proceed.