WEST PALM BEACH: Samsung has dropped out as a sponsor for the LPGA's World Championship after 14 years as the tournament's title sponsor, the tour announced.

One day after State Farm renewed its support of the State Farm Classic for two more years, the LPGA was hit by the loss of the title backer for an event that was staged last month at Torrey Pines near San Diego.

South Korean Na Yeon Choi edged Japan's Ai Miyazato to claim this year's Samsung crown.

Several sponsors have pulled out of LPGA events this year, leaving tour officials to say that about 20 events are set for next year's campaign.

IMG, which has run the World Championship event since 1980, has started a search for a new sponsor even though there is no deal in place to stage the event in 2010.