SHE sprained her ankle a day earlier.

But determined to put her best foot forward, Avena Seow squeezed her feet into four-inch heels at the second round of The New Paper New Face 2009 audition yesterday.

Her effort paid off as the 18-year-old was picked to join the top 24 contestants, moving into the semi-finals.

The part-time model had sprained her right ankle while walking from Katong Mall to her Mandarin Gardens condo after a late night supper with friends.

She said: 'It was painful walking in those heels with my injury but I just had to grin and bear it.

'I blocked out the pain and just concentrated on the judges and their expression. It's still hurting a lot but the happiness I'm feeling from getting through more than makes up for it.'

When she got home, the first thing she did after telling her parents the happy news was to apply ointment on her foot.

Yesterday's closed-door audition was attended by almost 110 girls selected through the talent scouting session and open audition at Suntec City Mall.

Julie Tan, a part-time actress, told The New Paper on Sunday that she gave up a role on an upcoming television series to join the competition.

The 17-year-old student also cut short a holiday to China by staying back for the second audition. She will be flying alone to join her family there at a later date. Julie said: 'I gave up the acting job as I wanted to try my hand at modelling, which I've never done before. My family was supportive.

'My mum was telling me that it would be a pity to give it up as I stand a chance of being in the top 24. So here I am!'

The determined lass will also be flying back early from Beijing to make it for the top 24 photo shoots to be held on 4 and 5 Jul.

The New Paper New Face 2009 is presented by Subaru MotorImage and co-sponsored by Levi's and InnerShine Berry Essence.

The New Paper's Yeoh Wee Teck, who was one of the judges for the audition, had this piece of advice for the top 24 contestants:

'Watch all the modelling shows you can get your hands on.

'Also, practise your catwalk and posing in front of the mirror. It helps.'

Ms Lydia Yacob, one of last year's finalists, commented on this year's contestants: 'I see a lot of girls with potential and I think once they are given the right grooming, they will definitely shine.'

- David Ho, newsroom intern

This article was first published in The New Paper.