Beauty Jordy Kuriata flies flag for WA at Miss Universe

Jessie Papain

Friday, 21 April 2017 11:45PM

Miss West Coast winners Jordy Kuriata.Picture: John Koh

Duncraig bombshell Jordy Kuriata’s eyes filled with tears as she was last night crowned the second Miss West Coast since 1985.

The model was named as Caris Tiivel’s WA successor at the final at Scarborough’s Matisse Beach Club in front of a large crowd cheered her name.

The pageant was revived last year after almost 30 years and is the local precursor to Miss Universe Australia, which Tiivel went on to win in 2016.

Along with Kuriata, five other women were named as finalists for the national Miss Universe leg — Danica Butler, Laine Hoffman, Olivia Stanley, Grady Wulff and Laura O’Neill.

Kate Hedges was voted by her peers as most deserving of the Miss Congeniality sash.

Jordy Kuriata and last year’s Miss Universe Australia Caris Tiivel.

Clearly shocked by the announcement, Kuriata’s eyes welled as she was handed her winner’s bouquet.

The 20-year-old, who is signed to Chadwick Models, told The West Australian she had to do a double-take when her name was read out.

“I didn’t go into it expecting I was going to win, I was doing it for the experience,” Kuriata said.

“I took it as it came. The final result is me becoming Miss West Coast and I am so happy.”

The beauty had a large “fan club” watching on from the crowd, including members of her family and friends.

Miss West Coast winners Laine Hoffmann, Laura O’Neill, overall winner Jordy Kuriata, Grady Wulff, Danica Butler and Olivia Stanley.Picture: John Koh.

The six Miss West Coast winners.Picture: John Koh

But her biggest supporter was her boyfriend Chris Randall, who could not wait to congratulate Kuriata on stage after the announcement.

“This whole time he has been saying ‘You’ve got it’,” Kuriata said.

“He loves me so much no matter what, he is so supportive of everything I do.”

Miss Universe Australia director Troy Barbagallo said the judges had a hard task selecting just six finalists to progress to the national stage.

Jordy Kuriata.Picture: John Koh

“I think we had an amazing top 24 and I think we could have thrown a net over any six and had an amazing group of finalists,” he said.

“Tonight was probably one of the most varied groups, there wasn’t necessarily a stand-out this year. We have a very exciting top six.”

The Miss Universe Australia final will be held in Melbourne later this year.

https://thewest.com.au/entertainment/beauty-jordy-kuriata-flies-flag-for-wa-at-miss-universe-ng-b88448069z