Outrage at WA Miss Universe snub
Outraged fans and former finalists have flocked to social media to suggest WA was "robbed" after the State failed to score a mention in the 2014 Miss Universe Australia top 10.
After several days of intensive preliminary rounds, the pageant's judging panel delivered their verdict at the national final in Melbourne last night, ruling out two-thirds of the 31 beauties competing from around the country.
The top 10 was dominated by contenders from the Eastern States, with five women from NSW, three from Victoria and two from Queensland taking out the coveted places.
Shortly after the announcement was made, networking sites Facebook and Twitter were abuzz with angry posts questioning why none of Perth's six representatives were named in the final mix. Even previous contenders weighed in on the debate, with model Caris Tiivel, who represented the State in last year's pageant, calling the verdict "an absolute joke".
"Obviously the national director playing scheming games again. Not even one WA girl out of our beautiful 6 is just rubbish," she wrote.
Fellow 2013 finalist Charlotte Goodlet said she found it "hard to believe" no local girls were worthy of the crown, while Rachel Ayris, the sister of Miss Universe Australia 2012 Renae Ayris, said she was "speechless".
Unlike previous years, no betting odds were available in the lead up to the event, meaning both spectators and contestants were in the dark as to who were the early favourites to claim the title.
It was third time lucky for NSW finalist Tegan Martin, who was crowned Miss Universe Australia after placing first runner-up in 2011 and 2013.
The 21-year-old model recently revealed judges told her she was "too skinny" and appeared "under nourished" at last year's event, leading her to gain weight and enter again in 2014.
"I must admit that I did flog myself to try and be a size that was too small," Martin admitted.
"This year I'm keeping healthy and fit and doing it the natural way."
Natalie Roser, who has worked as a body double for former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins in the past, was named first runner-up, while Queensland's Danni Johnson and NSW girls Monika Radulovic and Briden Starr completed the top five.
