By Scott Dougal, PA International

The Commonwealth cycling records proved paper thin again on Thursday morning as the mark for the women's 3000m pursuit was beaten three times in half an hour.

Defending champion Sarah Ulmer of New Zealand had the last word, completing the 12 laps in three minutes, 32.504 seconds, under two seconds outside the world record.

But that was only after the previous Games' best time of 3:40.389, set by Australia's Alayna Burns in Kuala Lumpur, was bettered by two of her compatriots.

First, Alison Wright motored round in 3:35.605, then Katherine Bates - gold medallist in the points race - pushed the time down to 3:32.913.

It was something to think about for the two English contenders, Emma Davies and Sara Symington, who are near neighbours in Alsager.

Davies, the British champion, made 3:40.259 was disappointed not to be higher up the standings than fourth.

She said: "I'm surprised I didn't go faster but I was told to go out and control it.

"I never thought they'd go that fast. We've (her and Bates) have met three times and I've gone faster twice and she's gone faster once."

Symington, who actually born in Venezuela to British parents, came home in 3:44.337.

The best reception of the day was reserved for Hsu Min Chung, a Malaysian cyclist who makes her home in Twickenham.

Backed by an enthusiastic crowd featuring supporters from her running and cycling clubs as well as her parents and boyfriend, Chung set a new Malaysian record in 4:04.85.

She moved to England 10 years ago to study, going on to complete a chemistry degree at Oxford but only took up cycling last year and first rode on a track in March.

A reluctant focus of attention this morning, the 27-year-old is looking forward to Saturday's road race.

She said: "I'll feel a bit better because I won't stand out so much."