Miss Universe 2002 Predictions

Never before in my history of following the Miss Universe Pageant have I found it so difficult to come up with a list of 10 finalists. 

There were just so many standouts this year that the task of narrowing the delegates down to 10 seemed impossible.  Personally 15 would be a fair number for this year’s semifinals. I believe that more than 10 girls deserve to be given the chance to start anew on equal footing.

Given the new judging system for the preliminaries, my guess is that they will call at least 12 finalists just like they did at the Miss USA pageant.

Then again the judges are given the ability to scrutinize the ladies all over. They were given a special presentation before the preliminaries, then the usual pre-pageant, and also the interviews over the weekend.

My predictions on the other hand are based purely on how the delegates look on hundreds of photos I have compiled from various sources on the net (with special emphasis on those of the pre-pageant).

I usually name 12 women to leave room for margin of error, nevertheless for records’ sake the first ten names are those I feel will most likely get into this year’s top 10 (In order of preference). Other succeeding names are those who deserve to place in the top 15 if not in the top 10. I’m sure from this 15 one will be Miss Universe.

In both 2000 and 2001 I named 7 finalists. Hope I get it right this year.

1.) Panama: Justin Pasek is undoubtedly the most beautiful girl in the pageant, or at least the most photogenic. Throughout the pageant’s activities she has stood out as a major contender.  Justin was wonderful in swimsuit and pretty okay in long gown as well.  If she can deliver with intelligence, wit and confidence on the big night, she’s my bet for the crown.
 

2.) Germany: Consider Natasha Borger as a second Venezuelan delegate to the pageant. Having come from Venezuela there’s no question this German citizen has that certain appeal you find in winners. Natasha was another standout during the swimsuit competition.  I think her breast size was a little bit distracting during the preliminary long gown competition but she still managed to deliver a fine presentation.  

3.) India: Neha Dupia was on top of my list going into the preliminaries, but I personally believe that she did not do well in swimsuit.  I guess that’s just her basic body structure, and that’s jut nitpicking.  She was best long gown in my book however and is also the bearer of an infectious smile. Since Miss India’s are always witty and intelligent she’s within arms reach of a crown as well.

4.) Venezuela: When it comes to preparation for the pageant I must say that this country is always a frontrunner.  Cynthia Lander Zamora isn’t an exception.  Though she is not a standout beauty like some of her predecessors, I am confident that she will do well in competition.  She delivered fine swimsuit and long gown presentations during the preliminaries.  Remember Venezuela in 2000, though not a standout, she shown on pageant night and finished 1^st runner up. Count on this girl to do the same.

5.) South Africa: I must admit Vanessa Careira wasn’t on my list till just recently. There had been much talk about her but I really didn’t appreciate her beauty until I saw photos from the prelims. She hit the mark on both categories. This girl has grown on me…I think stage presence will be her biggest asset to come out on top.
 

6.) Puerto Rico: I’ll be honest. Isis Marie Casalduc doesn’t match her predecessor Miss Universe 2001 Denise Quiñones who I put on top of my list last year. Though she is another beautiful girl, I don’t think Isis stands out over the other 5 on top of this list. She had a good long gown presentation, but I think she needs to wear her hair some way else for the semifinals.
 

7.) Greece: Lena Papariggopoulou is another strong contender from the country that gave us last year’s first runner up, one of the most beautiful faces I have ever seen. She was in and out of my list from the start but good projection in both swimsuit and long gown during the preliminaries gave her a space on my list. If she doesn’t overdo her walk she’ll be just fine.
 

8.) Curacao: Ayanette Statia has been one of my favorites from the beginning but personally I do feel that her long gown left much to be desired. She has one of the most charming faces in the pageant, I really do hope she shines on pageant night.

9.) Colombia: I first saw Vanessa Mendoza off a pageant related website. This girl exudes such grace and elegance. I was quite disappointed with her preliminary photos however. There was too much going on with her choice of long gown, and she wasn’t that impressive in swimsuit. I am counting on her strong presence to do well with the judges. After all, word is she is one of the hyped-up media favorites in Puerto Rico.

10.) Russia: Oxana Federova is another standout from the pre-pageant and another surprise entry into my list.  During the pre-pageant she was great in swimsuit and also fine in long gown despite a not so fine dress. In a tight race to fill in the tenth slot, I think she has what it takes to meet the mark. 
 

Very Close behind...

11.) Dominican Republic: Ruth Ocumarez is another girl who has been on and off my list. Her photos tell me she exudes great stage presence and a bubbly personality so that will probably be the factor that will get her in the semifinals. I wasn’t impressed with her prelim photos so that’s why she only in number 11 on my list.
 

12.) Brazil: On my list till the very last moment is Joseane Oliveria.  She reminds me very much of several Miss Venezuelas in the past (94, 99). Though she projects like a model, I think her bone structure could harm her a bit. She’s well deserving of a slot but there aren’t anymore. She’s in if they can more than 10.

view picks 13-15 and 3 other chance picks.