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Miss Russia ready for Miss World

Despite Islamic protests in Jakarta, Elmira Abdrazakova says people in Bali are friendly
Photo ITAR-TASS
Photo ITAR-TASS

BANGKOK, September 26 (Itar-Tass) - Elmira Abdrazakova, crowned Miss Russia 2013 back in March, is preparing for the finals of Miss World 2013 that will take place in Indonesia’s Bali on September 28.

“All of us feel a bit tired of constant rehearsals and I dream to have a good sleep,” the 18-year-olf beauty queen from Russia’s coalmining Kemerovo region in southwestern Siberia told Itar-Tass on Thursday. “We have little time left for the finals and I realize that now I need to do my utmost.”

Elmira has been staying in Bali for almost a month participating in different stages of the global beauty contest. “This is my first visit to the island. It amazes me with its unique beauty and the sun simply invigorates me with its energy,” she said. “Moreover, it is very pleasant to have a talk with other contestants. We’ve already made good friends with many girls.”

This year South East Asia for the first time hosts one of the most prestigious beauty competitions. But Miss World attracted fierce protests organized by Islamic groups in Indonesia. Under the public pressure Indonesia’s government had to reduce the number of sites hosting the contest. All events, including the finals that should have been held in Jakarta’s suburbs, will take place only in Bali, where local residents get used to the flows of tourists from all over the world.

“We know that Islamic groups organize protests in Jakarta. Fortunately, here in Bali all people we meet and communicate with are very friendly,” Elmira said.

Miss World has been organized on an annual basis since 1951.