Philippines’ bet Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach is still in the running to get the coveted 2015 Miss Universe crown as she survived the first round of eliminations of the competition Sunday evening (Monday Philippine time) in Las Vegas, United States.

Wurtzbach, who is battling 79 other women for the crown, was the fifth candidate to be called.

The top 15 contestants are:

 

Brazil—Marthina Brandt

Australia—Monika Rudolovic

Indonesia—Anindya Kusuma Putri

Dominican Republic—Clarissa Molina

Philippines—Pia Wurtzbach

France—Flora Coquerel

USA—Olivia Jordan

Curacao—Kanisha Sluis

Belgium—Annelies Toros

Japan—Ariana Miayomoto

Venezuela—Mariana Jimenez

South Africa—Refilwe Mthimunye

Colombia—Ariadna Gutierrez

Mexico—Wendy Esparaza

Thailand—Aniporn Chalermburanawong

 

Not included is early favorite Miss Vietnam.

 

The country’s Fil-German bet wants to end a 43-year wait for the crown, the last one chosen this year among the “Big Four,” including Miss International, Miss Earth and Miss World.

 

The event is held at Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas, Nevada and televised worldwide.

 

Wurtzbach’s fate will be decided by four celebrity judges and the audience.

AJH/IDL

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