Taanusiya Chetty finishes third in Miss World 2026, matches Malaysia’s best-ever result

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia's Taanusiya Chetty secured third place in the Miss World 2026 pageant, mirroring the country's top-ever performance in the contest 28 years earlier. The 26-year-old finished behind Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic, who was crowned Miss World 2026, and Elisabeth Reynes Alabern of Spain, who came in second.

Taanusiya, who delivered strong performances throughout the nearly month-long competition, matched the record set by Lina Teoh, who also finished third at Miss World 1998. This achievement puts Malaysia's contestants at the pinnacle of the pageant's history. Other notable Malaysian representatives include Rahimah Orchient Yayah, who reached the Top 10 in 1994, and Deborah Henry, who made it to the Top 16 in 2007.

Taanusiya qualified for the Top Six following her victory in the Beauty With A Purpose (BWAP) segment, which highlights contestants' commitment to and impact on their communities. During the evening gown segment, the Miss World Malaysia 2024/2025 titleholder showcased her elegance in a pink gown designed by Vietnamese fashion designer Minh Tuan Couture.

Taanusiya's confident demeanor and impressive performances across various segments, including a viral video where she spoke four languages during the Head-to-Head Challenge, earned her a spot on the podium and established her as an emerging figure in the global beauty pageant scene, bringing pride to Malaysia on the international stage.