Pained looks in beauty pageant

Some people were in an ugly mood after a favorite in the Miss Hong Kong Pageant was first to be eliminated from the semi-finals in the 49th edition of the annual contest.

The hot choice sent into the cold was 23-year-old Chloe Leung from City University. She appeared dumbfounded when her name was called first as the field of 20 was pared back to a dozen as the latest round was aired by TVB on Sunday.

But the look didn't last too long. Disappointment was masked by the sort of contrived smile demanded of beauty contestants as she waited for the other names who'd be departing to be called so they could troop off the stage together. Her reaction was shared among the studio audience, with some screaming in astonishment.

Viewers also took to social media to express dissatisfaction at the scoring system, which one said "specialized in knocking out pretty contestants."

It was also thought unfair that Fabienne Kwan, 26, was able to perform on stage with her father, actor Eddie Kwan Lai-kit.

She advanced in the contest.