Catriona Gray tops Miss U online betting

By: Manila Bulletin Entertainment
Published November 28, 2018, 6:08 PM
By Robert Requintina

Three days before the 94 contestants of the 67th Miss Universe beauty pageants arrive in Bangkok, Thailand on Dec. 2, Miss Philippines Catriona Gray emerged as the top favorite to capture the crown, according to two online betting sites abroad.

Catriona Gray at the Manila Bulletin office (Photo by Rio Deluvio/Manila Bulletin)
Catriona Gray at the Manila Bulletin office (Photo by Rio Deluvio/Manila Bulletin)

Gray, 24, leads the pack based on Sportsbet.com.au, a betting site in Australia. Other candidates who followed her, in order of ranking, were Thailand, Ecuador, South Africa, USA, Peru, Puerto Rico, Russia, Australia, Brazil, and Vietnam.

In Pinnacle.com, a licensed online betting site in Curacao and Malta, Gray is No. 1 with betting odds of 5.490. She is followed by candidates from Thailand, USA, Venezuela, Ecuador, South Africa, Puerto Rico, Russia, Peru, and Brazil.

In Nicerodds.co.uk, a betting site in the United Kingdom, Gray ties with Miss Ukraine for third place. On top of the list is Miss USA followed by Miss Venezuela.

It’s not only in betting sites that Gray hit the summit. Last Nov. 19, her debut single “We’re In This Together” zoomed to the top of I-Tunes Philippines music charts.

The song was written and composed by Marcus Davis and produced by Young Focus International for the latter’s advocacy of helping the children and communities who live in abject poverty in Tondo area, Gray says.

Proceeds of the song will go to Young Focus International, a non-profit organization that works in supporting the education, nutrition, and social welfare of the kids from the community that are in their program.

The Bicolana beauty queen has been busy raising awareness on HIV/AIDS as she encourages the public to get an HIV test to know their status. Few months ago, she traveled around country and visited campuses and universities to speak about HIV to the youth.

“The saddest thing is people aren’t getting tested, and there’s treatment out there, and there is a community that’s supportive out there, but a lot of people choose not to because of fear,” she says.

Gray adds: “So if I can shed any light to show either how easy it is to get tested, or to show that there’s nothing wrong with living your life with HIV – it’s possible, it should not be looked down upon as a judge of character, then I’ll do it.”

The Filipino-Australian beauty queen is expected to leave the country on Thursday, Nov. 29, for the competition. For the National Costume show, rumor has it that Gray will wear an elaborate jeepney-themed costume.

Countries debuting in this year’s pageant are Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia. This will also be the first time that Spain will be fielding a trans woman Angela Ponce, 27, in the most prestigious beauty contest.

The schedule of activities for the 2018 Miss Universe pageant: arrival of candidates in Bangkok, Dec. 2; Welcome Gala Dinner, Dec. 3; Welcome Parade & Charity Event, Dec. 4; Thai Night, Dec. 5; Thailand Excursions Tour, Dec. 6 & 7; National Costume Competition, Dec. 10; Preliminary Competition (Swimsuit & Evening Gown Competitions), Dec. 13; Red Carpet Event, Final Rehearsal, Dec. 16; and 2018 Miss Universe Finals Live Telecast (7 a.m. Bangkok time GMT+7), Dec. 17.

The Philippines has already won three Miss Universe titles – Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (2015), Margarita Moran (1973) and Gloria Diaz (1969).

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