By Chan Li Leen and Anthony Law

IPOH, MALAYSIA: The fickle winner of a modelling contest lost her title for good after the event organisers insisted on accepting her decision to give up the crown although she later recanted.

Fashion designer Melissa Wong had beaten 25 other girls to be crowned Miss Malaysia Model of the World 2009 on Sunday night.

Then the 22-year-old shocked everyone by deciding to give up her title and the chance to represent Malaysia in the 21st Miss Model of the World in China from Nov 2 to 23.

Citing health reasons, Wong asked to swap titles with first runner-up Madelyne Nandu from Sabah. The organisers agreed.

During a press conference to announce the swap at 10am Monday, Wong again caused a stir by saying she had changed her mind and wished to remain the winner and go to China.

She believed she was strong enough to make the trip.

The shocked organisers had to stop the press conference to consult with her.

Later, when the press conference resumed, Wong said she had undergone spinal surgery several years ago and initially did not think she would be able to withstand the cold weather in China.

"I thought that I had been well but then my spine has started to hurt again recently," she said when grilled by reporters on why she had not thought of it before joining the contest.

Wong, however, insisted she was now confident of making the trip despite her condition.

Despite her assurances, the organisers put their foot down and declared Nandu the winner and Wong as the first runner-up.

Choong May Teng, director of contest producer Star Avenue Production, said everyone had stayed up till 4am to consider the matter.

"She must be fair to everyone," said Choong.

Choong said Wong had not been totally honest with officials from the start, and that they could have stripped her title entirely instead of letting her be the first runner-up.

Model Eleen Yong, 22, from Malacca was second runner-up in the contest, which was presented by Marigold HL Milk.