Sorry, I don't think you removed the compression release. The compression release is not at the top of the cam lob.
To locate the compression release on the cam, I suggest you remove the head, rotate the crankshaft, and determine where the intake valve closes on the compression stroke. You do this by checking where intake valve closes against the seat on the compression stroke.
It's a fairly tedious process. Keep in mind, when the crankshaft is rotating counterclockwise, the cam is rotating clockwise. The compression release bump is very slight and almost not visible. It is located on the cam just after the intake lob.
To locate where the intake valve closes, install the side cover (with the bolts semi-tight), keep the head off, rotate the crankshaft, and keep your thumb on the intake valve. When the intake valve is open, you can twist it with your thumb, when it closes, you can't twist it. Then, remove the side cover to observe where the lifter is against the intake lob of the cam.
Then, remove the cam, and file the intake lob on the cam in that area. Do this over and over until the intake valve closes near BDC.
Before I filed off the compression release, the intake valve closed approx 1/3 from TDC. That means, the piston travels approx 2/3 of the compression stoke with the intake valve leaking. When you remove the compression release, you stop this leakage.
After the compression release is removed, the pull rope will definitely be a firmer pull.
One caveat, I think your 97cc engine is made by Lifan, mine is Hensim, so yours may be a little different.
Good luck, I hope the above is helpful.