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The Global Shift: How the Iran Conflict is Accelerating the EV RevolutionThe recent escalation of the conflict between the United States and Israel has triggered a profound shift in consumer behavior worldwide. As geopolitical tensions drive up global fuel prices, the automotive industry is witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs). This trend is not limited to traditional EV markets but is rapidly gaining traction in emerging economies and regions heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels.Surging Demand Across ContinentsThe impact of rising fuel costs is being felt acutely across various markets. In Australia, used EV marketplace Amazing EV has seen a dramatic increase in sales, with Rosco Jewell noting a shift from selling one vehicle every two months to one every two weeks. Similarly, in Vietnam, local manufacturer Vinfast reported a staggering 127 percent year-on-year rise in sales for March.United States: Sales topped 82,000 units, showing a significant recovery from previous slumps.China: Manufacturers reported an 82.6 percent month-on-month sales increase.Japan & South Korea: Sales nearly tripled and surged by 172 percent respectively.Quantifying the Market BoomData from various regions highlights the scale of this transition. In Australia, battery EVs accounted for 14.6 percent of total vehicle sales in March, nearly double the figure recorded in the same month the previous year. Meanwhile, the United States saw a 20 percent month-over-month increase in EV sales, while China’s automotive dealers association recorded a massive jump in monthly sales figures.Australia: BEV share rose to 14.6 percent (double 2025 figures).United States: 82,000 units sold (up 20% from February).China: 82.6% rise in month-on-month sales.Vietnam: Vinfast sales up 127% year-on-year.From Energy Shocks to Permanent AdoptionAnalysts suggest this surge is not merely a temporary reaction but a permanent shift in adoption rates. Euan Graham of the energy think tank Ember argues that the 2020s are defined by "two fossil fuel shocks," following the Ukraine war. This environment forces countries to seek alternatives, with EVs becoming a primary solution due to their competitiveness.In Australia, which imports 80 percent of its fuel, the fear of supply shortages has accelerated the switch. With reserves at roughly one month, consumers are turning to EVs to control their transport costs. James Pickering of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association notes that the country is uniquely positioned to benefit due to its renewable energy success.The Future of Mobility: A Fuel-Price Driven TransitionThe trajectory of global EV demand will likely remain tethered to fuel prices. Charles Lester of Benchmark Mineral Intelligence predicts that sustained high prices will force consumers to reconsider their vehicle purchases. As governments respond to these market shifts—such as New South Wales announcing $71 million for regional charger infrastructure—the transition away from combustion engines is poised to accelerate, potentially leading to policy changes, including the scaling back of tax breaks in Australia.

The Lead Multiple star players face race against time to recover from injuries sustained weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Egypt's Mohamed Salah, Spain's Lamine Yamal, and several other key players from top nations are in doubt for the tournament that begins in June. Rising Injury Concerns for World Cup Contenders With the World Cup kicking off in less than two months in Canada, Mexico and the United States, several players find themselves in a race against time to overcome injuries and prove their fitness. Title contenders and former champions Spain, Brazil and Germany will be among those hoping some of their key players recover in time for the tournament, which begins on June 11. Egypt's Salah Hampered by Hamstring Tear The Egyptian and Liverpool forward was in pain as he limped off the field and held his hamstring after being substituted in the league game. While his club manager Arne Slot refused to say whether Salah would miss the rest of Liverpool's season, his national team's director confirmed that the 33-year-old will be out for four weeks. Egyptian football official Ibrahim Hassan confirmed that Salah's club season was over, but said he would be fit for the World Cup, where Egypt face Belgium, New Zealand and Iran in Group G. Spain's Yamal Faces Uncertain World Cup Debut All eyes will be on the award-winning football prodigy, but his World Cup debut has been thrown into doubt after a hamstring injury in his left leg. Barcelona announced that Lamine Yamal's domestic season in Spain is over, but the international forward should be fit to represent Spain at this summer's World Cup. The 18-year-old's participation is still doubtful since it could take four to six weeks to recover as he follows a "conservative treatment plan". Germany's Goalkeeping and Attack Woes The 33-year-old first-choice goalkeeper for Germany has spent more time recovering than playing this year after a severe hamstring injury in February sent him into rehabilitation. German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann told Marc-Andre ter Stegen in March that his chances of playing for the national side were "very slim" and that he had to speed up his recovery to be fit for the tournament in June. Meanwhile, Germany's Serge Gnabry took to social media this week to announce he would be "supporting the boys from home" after suffering a torn adductor muscle in his right thigh. Brazil's Triple Injury Blow Brazil and Chelsea forward Estevao has also been ruled out of the remaining Premier League season after suffering a hamstring injury that left the teen in tears as he was taken off the pitch. Chelsea's interim coach Calum McFarlane expressed his hope for the 19-year-old to make it to the Brazilian squad, though he cautioned there was no guarantee yet. Unlike Estevao, Brazil forward Rodrygo has been decisively ruled out of the World Cup squad due to a torn meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. Yet another blow to Brazil comes from a hamstring injury sustained by Eder Militao during Real Madrid's 2–1 win over Deportivo Alaves. France and Japan Also Face Key Player Absences France striker Hugo Ekitike has also been ruled out of the World Cup entirely after tearing his Achilles tendon in April during the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. He recently underwent surgery, which Liverpool manager Arne Slot said went well, although recovery and a return to the pitch for the 23-year-old could take as long as 2027. A question mark lingers over the participation of Japan captain and Liverpool defender Wataru Endo, who has not played since sustaining an ankle injury at Sunderland in February. Teammate Takumi Minamino is also in the same situation after rupturing his ACL in December. Race Against Time for Recovery With the tournament fast approaching, national team medical staff and club doctors are working together to create rehabilitation programs that will give these players the best chance of recovering in time. The World Cup's expanded format and compressed schedule due to being hosted across three countries adds additional complexity to recovery timelines, as players may need to be match-fit rather than just medically cleared.

The Global Energy RealignmentIn the open seas, an armada of empty tankers has quietly turned west. A record number of super-sized vessels are now heading to the US, where oil drillers and refineries are preparing to profit from Donald Trump's war in the Middle East. Almost 30 of these vessels, each able to hold 2m barrels of oil, are contracted to load US crude, destined for a global market facing the biggest supply crisis in history.It is just over five years since the shale revolution made the US a net energy exporter and the world's biggest producer of oil and gas. Now the White House is poised to strengthen its claim to an even greater share of the global oil market as the Middle East's decades-long dominance is dismantled by war.US Oil Experiences Unprecedented GrowthThe carriers preparing to amass in US waters are almost six times the monthly number that typically loaded US crude before the war throttled flows of Middle East fossil fuels to the market. Supplies of US crude leaving the country's export terminals have climbed by a third to a record 5.2m barrels a day after Iran retaliated against US-Israeli attacks by blocking daily flows of 10m barrels of Gulf oil exports via the strait of Hormuz.US weekly exports of jet fuel have doubled to an all time high as Europe scrambles to secure supplies and airlines begin to cut flights. The war threatens to reshape the global energy order, exposing the world's reliance on Middle East supplies and accelerating a move towards greener energy, giving rise to new energy superpowers.Latin America Emerges as New Energy PowerhouseThe world's turn to the west marks a potential reordering of global energy supplies, and the greatest threat to the future energy dominance of the Middle East. For decades, Saudi Arabia's vast oil reserves made the kingdom the world's biggest crude supplier and the de facto leader of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) cartel and its allies. In a matter of weeks, the Iran war has erased a third of Saudi crude production.Restarting the region's shuttered oil and gas fields and drone-damaged infrastructure is expected to cost between $34bn (£25bn) to $58bn, according to analysts at the consultancy Rystad Energy. The process of restoring production to its previous levels could take years, if it is achieved at all.As doubts over the future market dominance of the Gulf's petrostates deepen, the surge in market prices has begun fuelling the rise of the Americas. The growth in US and Canadian crude production – which has accelerated in recent years – is expected to continue through the 2020s. However, almost half of the world's oil supply growth over the rest of the decade is expected to come from Latin America's oil boom.The Rise of Chinese Solar DominanceThe focus on rerouting fossil fuel flows overlooks another key reordering of the global energy system: the rise of the electrostate. Wood Mackenzie believes the 'out-and-out winner' of the Iran crisis looks likely to be China. While the Middle East conflict has done more than spike oil prices, it has also accelerated global interest in alternative energy sources.China's strategic position in solar energy technology and manufacturing positions it to capitalize on the growing demand for renewable energy alternatives. As traditional oil markets face uncertainty, Chinese solar companies are poised to benefit from the global energy transition.Market Implications and Future OutlookThe rise of the Americas could still be scuppered by a sooner-than-expected reopening of the strait of Hormuz. A full recovery of Gulf oil production could return within a year if the conflict is resolved in the coming months, according to Dylan White, a director at the oil consultancy Wood Mackenzie.Any short-lived increase in oil production from the Americas paled 'in comparison to the volume losses caused by shuttered strait of Hormuz transit,' he added. Yet there is no guarantee that Middle East producers will return to a market and find the same levels of demand.The Iran conflict has fundamentally altered global energy dynamics, creating both immediate winners and long-term structural changes. The US oil industry benefits from short-term market disruptions, while China's solar sector gains from accelerated renewable energy adoption. Meanwhile, Latin American oil producers, particularly Venezuela, stand to gain significant market share as global energy sources diversify away from traditional Middle Eastern dominance.

The Unseen Threat: Landmine Crisis Persists in Post-Truce YemenDespite a ceasefire agreement in April 2022 that largely stopped fighting between Yemen's government and Houthi forces, the country continues to face a deadly crisis from landmines and explosive remnants of war. These hidden "sleeping killers" have turned fields, roads, and villages into areas of ongoing danger, claiming the lives and limbs of civilians, particularly children, long after the formal cessation of hostilities.Personal Stories of Loss and SurvivalIn August 2023, 13-year-old Enaya Dastor was tending to her goats near her village in central Yemen's Taiz governorate when she stepped on a landmine. The explosion resulted in the amputation of her left leg, leaving her with a lifelong disability. "Landmines are sleeping killers, waiting for the innocents to step on them or move them without caution. That is how they wake up to shed blood and take human souls," Dastor told Al Jazeera.Similarly, Mohammed Mustafa lost his left leg in a landmine explosion in Taiz's Maqbna district in 2018 when he was just 20 years old. After a five-hour ambulance ride to reach medical care, he awoke in the hospital to find his leg amputated up to the knee. Despite his injuries, Mustafa has rebuilt his life as a member of the Yemeni Amputee Football Federation, a father, and a small business owner.Alarming Statistics of Child VictimsThe scale of the landmine crisis is particularly devastating for Yemen's youngest population. According to Save the Children, landmines and explosive remnants of war have killed at least 339 children and injured 843 since the 2022 truce. The organization found that nearly half of child casualties related to the conflict were due to these hidden explosives.A 2022 study by Yemeni human rights groups revealed that 534 children and 177 women were killed by mines between April 2014 and March 2022. Additionally, 854 children, 255 women, and 147 elderly people were injured during the same period across 17 Yemeni provinces, with Taiz recording the highest number of incidents. In the first half of 2025 alone, 107 civilians were killed or injured, most of them children, including five who died while playing football on a dirt field in Taiz.De-mining Efforts Face Significant ObstaclesDespite ongoing de-mining efforts, Yemen faces numerous challenges in addressing the landmine crisis. Project Masam, a de-mining team funded by Saudi Arabia, reported removing 549,452 mines, unexploded ordnance, and improvised explosive devices by March 2026, clearing explosives from 7,799 hectares of land. The Danish Refugee Council has cleared more than 23,302 square meters of Yemeni land from mines and explosive remnants.However, Adel Dashela, a Yemeni researcher focusing on conflict and peace building studies, highlights several obstacles to effective de-mining: "The mines have been planted indiscriminately in different areas, and some of the territories are under the control of different armed groups, which makes them inaccessible to de-miners." Other challenges include the lack of clear maps, shortage of qualified local personnel, and insufficient modern equipment for detecting explosives. Additionally, natural phenomena like the flash floods Yemen experienced in August 2025 can sweep explosives from one area to another, complicating clearance efforts and exposing more people to risk.Humanitarian Crisis Without ResolutionThe persistence of landmines in Yemen represents a complex humanitarian crisis that extends beyond the physical dangers they pose. The presence of these explosives prevents displaced families from returning to their homes, disrupts agricultural activities, and hinders economic recovery in affected areas. For many survivors like Enaya Dastor, the physical injury is accompanied by the loss of home and community, as her family was forced to flee their village and has not returned since the explosion.The landmine crisis also reflects the broader challenges of post-conflict recovery in Yemen, where no final peace agreement has been reached to end the war that began in 2014. Without a comprehensive political solution, the country remains divided, making coordinated de-mining efforts and long-term recovery planning extremely difficult.Hope Amidst Crisis: Survivors Determined to RebuildDespite the devastating impact of landmines on their lives, many Yemeni survivors demonstrate remarkable resilience and determination to rebuild their futures. Enaya Dastor, who lost her leg at age 13, remains focused on her education and aspirations: "Today, I am in tenth grade, and I will finish high school in two years. After that, I will enrol in law college and will graduate as a lawyer. I want to defend those who face injustice.""The injury has changed how I move or walk, and separated my family from our home," Dastor said. "But it cannot disable my mind or stop my dreams." Her determination, along with the efforts of de-mining organizations and the international community, offers a glimmer of hope for Yemen's future, though the path to a mine-free country remains long and uncertain.

The Comedian's Journey from Alcohol Enthusiast to SobrietyJohn Robins, the celebrated comedian known for his enthusiastic portrayal of alcohol in his stand-up routines, has publicly revealed his diagnosis as an alcoholic in his new book 'Thirst.' Despite building a career around discussing and celebrating alcohol, Robins has come to terms with his addiction and is now sharing his story of recovery. The Oxford-educated, Edinburgh Comedy Award-winning performer has transformed his personal struggle into a powerful narrative that challenges the glamorous image of drinking culture in comedy.From Childhood Encounters to Full-Blown AddictionRobins' relationship with alcohol began early in life. At just five or six years old, he noticed how champagne made adults relaxed at family celebrations and begged for a sip. By age seven, he had already shown signs of what would become a lifelong obsession: sneaking wine disguised in orange juice from the kitchen. His drinking progressed throughout childhood, with his mother buying him cans of cider at age 12 and him consuming the equivalent of 14 pints at a school party at age 14.At Oxford University, Robins studied English while collecting empty bottles like 'war trophies.' By his early 30s, he had amassed 70 empty bottles of Captain Morgan Dark Rum in his rented flat. Despite his academic achievements and professional success, his focus shifted increasingly to alcohol, with all his attention dedicated to his drinking routine rather than being present at social occasions.The Turning Point: Recognition and RecoveryRobins attempted sobriety multiple times throughout his life, including an 18-month period at age 22 when he started doing stand-up comedy without alcohol. However, each time he returned to drinking heavily. It wasn't until 2023 that he finally found the right word to describe his relationship with alcohol: alcoholic.This realization came during his podcast series 'How Do You Cope?' where he and co-host Elis James discussed how guests had gotten through life's toughest trials. The revelation that the successful comedian had never been able to cope without alcohol marked a turning point in his relationship with himself and his career.Living with Sobriety: Challenges and AcceptanceNow 43 and attending Alcoholics Anonymous, Robins has developed a toolkit to deal with his desire for drink and his past behavior. He acknowledges that alcohol made him controlling, though he takes responsibility for his actions. 'When your focus is on getting the thing you need to survive, you're going to do some unpleasant stuff to get there,' he explains.Robins has learned to exist in a world with alcohol without being triggered by reminders of his past. While some recovering alcoholics might remove all references to booze from their homes, Robins takes a different approach: 'I have to exist in a world with alcohol in it, and I can make that really difficult or I can make that as easy as it's ever going to be.'The Power of Thirst: A New ChapterRobins' new book, 'Thirst,' takes its title from the core of his relationship with alcohol throughout his life. The publisher initially wanted the subtitle 'Twelve Drinks That Changed My Life' for its marketability, but Robins insisted on the more powerful 'Thirst.' The book's cover features a shocking image of a young boy clutching a can of lager, symbolizing Robins' lifelong relationship with alcohol.Following his stand-up show 'Howl' about his addiction, 'Thirst' represents another step in Robins' journey of sharing his story. The comedian has transformed his personal struggle into a narrative that not only addresses his own recovery but also challenges the culture of alcohol consumption in the comedy industry and beyond.The Future of Recovery and Public DiscourseRobins' public acknowledgment of his alcoholism comes at a time when conversations about mental health and addiction are increasingly entering mainstream discourse. By sharing his story as a successful comedian, he brings a unique perspective to the discussion, highlighting how addiction can affect even those who appear to have it all.As Robins continues his recovery, his journey offers hope to others struggling with similar issues. His approach—acknowledging the past without being defined by it, learning to coexist with triggers, and taking responsibility for his actions—provides a roadmap for sustainable recovery. In a world that often glorifies drinking culture, Robins' story stands as a powerful counter-narrative of honesty, vulnerability, and transformation.

Returning Heroes: Liquidators Revisit Chernobyl After Four DecadesOn April 26, 2026, a group of former “liquidators” from Ukraine’s Poltava region stepped onto the abandoned streets of Chernobyl for a day‑long pilgrimage. Their visit marks the 40th anniversary of the explosion that devastated reactor four and serves as a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices made to contain the world’s worst civilian nuclear accident.Scale of the Cleanup: Numbers Behind the 600,000‑Strong Liquidator Force~600,000 personnel mobilised across the Soviet Union between 1986‑1990.Roles ranged from helicopter pilots dumping sand, clay and lead to miners burying contaminated machinery.Cleanup operations continued for more than 10 days of core fire, followed by years of decontamination work.Environmental and Human Legacy: How the Disaster Shapes Ukraine’s Landscape TodayThe exclusion zone now spans thousands of square kilometres, covering parts of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. While the nearby city of Pripyat remains a ghost town, nature has reclaimed much of the area, with rare species such as the endangered Przewalski’s horse roaming freely. The human toll includes lingering health issues among survivors and a collective memory that continues to influence Ukrainian society.Future of the Exclusion Zone: Tourism, Conservation, and Security OutlookSince Russia’s invasion in 2022, the zone has been closed to tourists, prompting debates over its future use. Experts argue for a balanced approach that leverages controlled tourism to fund conservation while maintaining strict safety protocols. The return of the liquidators may accelerate policy discussions on how to preserve the site’s historical significance and ecological recovery.

The LeadIn a revealing account from his autobiography 'Saved', legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has opened up about a career-threatening panic attack that struck him during a Juventus match in 2004. The incident, which occurred during a challenging period for both the player and the club, forced Buffon to confront mental health issues that few professional athletes of his era dared to acknowledge.The Panic AttackThe incident occurred before a Juventus-Reggina match in February 2004, a particularly difficult period when the team was six points off the top of the table. During the warm-up, Buffon experienced breathing difficulties, dizziness, and a tightness in his diaphragm that made him feel as if he had been hit. 'I felt slightly dizzy. What scared me, however, was the tightness I felt in my diaphragm, between chest and stomach, as if I had been hit,' Buffon recalls.His goalkeeping coach Ivano Bordon immediately recognized something was wrong. 'When you have a panic attack, you don't know you're having a panic attack. When you have a panic attack you think you're going to die,' Buffon explains. The coach's simple words—'You aren't obliged to play'—provided the psychological release Buffon needed to manage the situation.The Mental StruggleIn the aftermath of the incident, Buffon faced months of uncertainty and anxiety. He experienced sleep disturbances, negative thoughts about disappointing his fans and family, and a growing sense of fear that extended beyond football. 'I was afraid to go out, to talk to the people who loved me. I woke up groggy with a tiredness that affected my body, my legs were lacking in energy and I began to lose a sense of certainty in my movements,' he writes.The legendary goalkeeper initially struggled to understand what was happening to him, interpreting his feelings as a lack of courage rather than recognizing them as symptoms of a panic disorder. The stigma surrounding mental health in professional sports made it difficult for him to seek help or even acknowledge his condition to teammates.The Turning PointBuffon's journey to recovery began when he confided in Juventus team doctor Riccardo Agricola. During one of their conversations, the doctor suggested what Buffon had been unwilling to admit: 'Gigi, it could be depression.' This moment of clarity marked the beginning of his acceptance and eventual management of his condition.Despite the ongoing challenges, Buffon found ways to continue his career, learning to manage his anxiety while maintaining his legendary status as one of football's greatest goalkeepers. His experience highlights the importance of mental health awareness in professional sports and the courage required to confront such issues publicly.The LegacyBy sharing his experience in his autobiography, Buffon has joined a growing movement of athletes breaking the silence around mental health. His story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges and contributes to the broader conversation about psychological wellbeing in high-pressure professional environments.The incident, which could have ended his career, ultimately became a pivotal moment in Buffon's life and career. 'I talked about this with my closest friends, and then with Juve's doctor,' he writes, demonstrating the importance of seeking help and support when facing mental health challenges.

Mohamed Salah will miss the rest of the Premier League season after a hamstring tear forced his substitution in the 60th minute of Liverpool's 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace, confirming the Egypt national team director that this was his final game for the Reds.Hamstring Setback Ends Salah’s Liverpool CampaignAccording to Egypt team official Ibrahim Hassan, the 33‑year‑old forward suffered a tear that will require roughly four weeks of treatment. Liverpool have not released an official medical update, but the injury aligns with Salah’s earlier statement that he will leave the club at season’s end.Season‑Long Contributions in Numbers12 goals and 9 assists across all competitions this campaign.Remaining Premier League fixtures: Chelsea (May 9), Manchester United (May 3), Aston Villa (May 17), and Brentford (May 24).Egypt’s World Cup group includes Belgium, New Zealand, and Iran, with the tournament starting June 11.Impact on Liverpool’s Title Push and Egypt’s World Cup PlansManager Arne Slot described the injury as “another win and another injury,” underscoring the season’s volatility. Salah’s absence removes Liverpool’s third‑highest scorer of all time from the final stretch, potentially affecting goal output and morale as the club battles for the league crown.For Egypt, the timing is critical. Hassan believes Salah will be fit for the 2026 World Cup, but the four‑week recovery window leaves little margin for setbacks, especially after his previous shoulder injury in the 2018 tournament.Looking Ahead: Recovery Timeline and Club StrategiesIf rehabilitation proceeds as expected, Salah could return to full training by early May, but match fitness for the World Cup remains uncertain. Liverpool may need to rely on emerging attackers and tactical adjustments to compensate for the loss, while Egypt will monitor his progress closely to ensure he is battle‑ready for Group G fixtures.

Lead: Victory Marred by Salah’s Injury and Fan UnrestLiverpool secured a 4‑0 triumph over Crystal Palace at Anfield, finally breaking a historic “curse” while climbing to fourth in the Premier League. The celebration was dampened when Mohamed Salah hobbled off with a suspected hamstring strain, and supporters waved yellow cards to protest the club’s ticket‑price increase.Match Narrative: Goals, Key Performances and the Turning PointAlexander Isak opened the scoring after a quick counter‑attack.Florian Wirtz doubled the lead within five minutes, capitalising on a Woodman save.Curtis Jones supplied a pinpoint pass to Andy Robertson, who finished the third.Late‑game strike from Wirtz sealed the fourth goal.Third‑choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman earned plaudits for crucial saves, while Curtis Jones impressed at right‑back. The match also featured a controversial penalty review that ultimately favored Liverpool.Numbers on the Board: League Impact and Attendance HighlightsWin marks Liverpool’s third consecutive league victory.Result moves Liverpool to fourth place in the Premier League table.Attendance: a packed Anfield crowd, estimated at over 53,000 fans.Broader Implications: Title Chase, Salah’s Final Season, and Ticket‑Price BacklashThe victory narrows the gap to the top three, keeping Liverpool in the Champions League qualification race. However, Salah’s injury threatens his availability for the remainder of what is billed as his final season with the club, potentially weakening their attacking edge. Simultaneously, the visible fan protest over the Fenway Sports Group ticket‑price hike signals growing discontent that could affect match‑day revenue and club‑supporter relations.Looking Ahead: Recovery Timelines and Upcoming ChallengesMedical staff expect a 2‑3 week recovery window for Salah, but any delay could see him miss the crucial Conference League semi‑final against Shakhtar Donetsk and key league fixtures. Liverpool will need to rely on squad depth, particularly the performances of Woodman and emerging talents, to maintain momentum as the season enters its decisive phase.