7th February 2013 08:57
And the duel between Russian Dmitrik and Barshim, of Qatar, did not fail to disappoint at the 20th Europa Shopping Centre High Jump in Banská Bystrica.
No bargains here, this was all about top dollar quality goods with some of the best field-eventers in the sport.
Olympic bronze medallist Barshim has soared to the top of the world rankings this year with 2.37m and he confirmed his brilliant form with victory with 2.36m from Dmitrik's 2.32m.
Barshim had only five jumps all night - clearing 2.15m, not going again until 2.30m, and then after two failures, he went over at 2.36m for another stupendous win.
Dmitrik cleared 2.10m, 2.15m, 2.20m, 2.26m, 2.30m and 2.32m all at the first attempt - showing immense confidence so close to the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Göteborg next month - before failing at 2.36m.
It was a great night for Italian Gianmarco Tamberi, the bronze medallist at the European Athletics Junior Championships in 2011, as he took his personal best from 2.24m to a superb 2.30m before missing out at 2.32m.
But he has shown how well he is making the strides towards a major senior medal and will be one of the big names to watch in Göteborg.
It has been a sensational few weeks for the event as Dmitrik and Barshim have traded the best jumps in the world this year.
In Glasgow at the end of January, Dmitrik set the standard with 2.31m in Glasgow, a leading mark that lasted a mere three days before Barshim's 2.34m in Trinec.
It was then the Russian's turn to regain the advantage with 2.36m in Arnstadt last Saturday before 24 hours later Barshim hit back again in Moscow with that 2.37m.
World silver medallist Dmitrik will be the favourite for gold in Göteborg having been assured of his place.
He said: 'I can approach my indoor season with a big weight removed because I have received a 'free ticket' to the European Athletics Indoor Championships from my federation. I don't need to 'prove myself' at the national championships.
'I really feel like I am in good condition now, perhaps the best of my life.'