The 22-year-old medical student Rolene Strauss, is bookmakers' favourite to win the title.

JOHANNESBURG - Miss South Africa, Rolene Strauss, was named Miss World at a glittering ceremony in London on Sunday night.

Miss Hungary, Edina Kulcsar, was the runner-up in the judging and Miss United States, Elizabeth Safrit, came third.

More than 120 other contestants had vied for the title.

Miss South Africa, 22-year-old medical student Rolene Strauss, is bookmakers' favourite to win the title at 6/4.

Strauss is the third South African to take the crown after Penelope Coelen who was crowned in 1958 and Anneline Kriel in 1974.

Originally from Mpumalanga, Strauss was crowned Miss South Africa 2014 in a glittering pageant at the Sun City Superbowl held on 30 March 2014. She was crowned by Miss South Africa 2012 Marilyn Ramos.