Canadian former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova and Thai tennis ace Paradorn Srichaphan have announced their engagement after a whirlwind romance. Paradorn proposed on April 13 during a holiday in Bali, after the couple had been dating for just eight months.
"I totally believe in my heart that we love each other, and that time doesn't matter," insists Paradorn - who met his Russian-born love while they were both visiting the same Buddhist temple last year.
Natalie, 25, who won the Miss Universe contest held in Thailand in 2005, has said she fell for her other half's compassionate nature. "The feeling straight from my heart is that, yes, I will spend the rest of my life and build my family with this person," she says. The stunning brunette has taken up residence in her 28-year-old fiancé's homeland, where she has become a huge celebrity and is brand ambassador for the kingdom's Singha beer.
At a Bangkok press conference broadcast live throughout Thailand, the pair publicly announced the engagement and Paradorn presented his beautiful girlfriend with a three-carat diamond ring, as well as a jewel-encrusted necklace and earrings. In acknowledgment of her adopted country Natalia wore yellow, a colour which is traditionally worn to honour Thailand's much revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Paradorn and Natalia are expected to marry in November or December. The world's former number nine player, who has been suffering with a wrist injury of late, assured fans he will continue to play, though. "Tennis is my career, so I'm going to keep on going," he said. "Deciding to have a family doesn't mean I'm going to stop my career."
Photo: AFP
Photo: AFP
