The fancied chess team finished without a gold medal as Vietnam swept eight events in the men’s and women’s divisions.
"Everyone of us must share responsibility. Finger-pointing will not solve the problem," said the 21-year-old Paragua, fresh from an impressive stint in the World Chess Cup in Siberia, Russia.
Paragua was reacting to statements attributed to outgoing National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) President Go Teng Kok who said he abandoned the team.
"I did not abandon the team. I did not qualify for the team," said Paragua, who, two years ago, won three gold medals in the SEA Games in Vietnam.
Paragua said the NCFP must review its selection process that gives the federation an option to choose one member of the team.
"The NCFP has to make up its mind whether to seed players outright or hold elimination. It would be unfair to remove one player to accommodate another," said Paragua.
After being eliminated in the standard chess team event, Paragua asked the NCFP to seed him in the rapid event to give him to prepare for the Asian Zonals.
But the NCFP flatly denied Paragua’s request.
As a result, Paragua concentrated on the more prestigious Asian Zonals where he figured in a tie for first place with Indonesian No. 1 GM Utut Adianto.
That earned him a slot in the elite World Chess Cup where 112 of the planet’s best players competed.
Paragua said he was proud to represent the Philippines in the World Chess Cup where he managed to reach the second round.
"I don’t think that the World Chess Cup is less prestigious than the SEA Games," he said.
Paragua nearly did not make it to the world event due to lack of funds.
But Hector Tagaysay of Filway Marketing came to his rescue and shouldered his expenses.
Paragua said the national chess team that saw action in the Games was not lacking in talents, citing the presence of three GMs — Eugene Torre, Joey Antonio and Nelson Mariano — and three IMs — Ronald Dableo, Petronio Roca and Barlo Nadera.
"Vietnam simply performed unbelievably well," he said.
Paragua said Go’s sweeping statement that chess players only think of money is uncalled for.
"We wish to remind Mr. Go that chess is the only means of livelihood for most of the players. Eto lang ang kinabubuhay ng marami," said Paragua. "Can you imagine PBA players playing for free?"
Instead of sulking and putting the blame on anyone, Paragua called on players and officials to unite and treat the unfortunate incident positively.
"Instead of fighting one another, why don’t we unite and take steps to bring Philippine chess back to its former glory?" he asked.
Paragua, who is set to become the first Filipino super GM when the FIDE quarterly rankings are released next month, will embark on another journey in his bid to crack the Top 100 standings. He’s currently rated No. 142.
