Commonwealth games a family affair for some

Blood is running thicker than the Yarra in Melbourne.

Nine sets of siblings are in the Australian team and at least four family groupings are rivals for medals in their respective events.

Cyclists Anna and Kerrie Meares are battling one another for honours in the 500m time trial and the sprint.

England's Vicki Pendleton busted in on the sister act, taking gold from Anna Meares in the sprint after Anna had beaten Kerrie in the semifinal.

Pendleton also split the sisters in the time trial, finishing second behind Anna, with Kerrie third.

Cycling also has the Bates sisters - gold medal winner on the track Kate Bates and the younger Natalie who'll compete in the road racing.

In squash, Toowoomba-raised sisters Rachael and Natalie Grinham are among the top players on the world's women tour and have been dominant.