Petra, Great Wall, Redeemer among 7 new "wonders"

LISBON, July 7 (Reuters) The Great Wall of China, Petra in Jordan and Brazil's statue of Christ the Redeemer have been chosen to be among the modern-day seven Wonders of the World, the organisers of the competition said late tonight.

The three were the first to be announced at a glitzy show at Portugal's Benfica stadium to unveil the winners chosen in an online poll at www.new7wonders.com which drew more than 100 million voters.

The remaining four winners will be announced shortly.

The New 7 Wonders of the World organisers say the contest was a chance to level the global cultural playing field and recognise the achievements of societies outside Europe and the West Asia.

The traditional ''seven wonders of the world'' all existed more than 2,000 years ago and were all in the Mediterranean region. Only one remains standing today -- the Pyramids of Giza.

REUTERS SBA RAI0353